How Do Snow Companies Handle Back-to-Back Storms?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

When back-to-back storms hit London, Ontario, property owners often wonder how a snow removal company keeps up without falling behind on other clients.

Most crews prioritize by contract type and site risk. Commercial lots with high foot traffic and steep liability, like grocery stores and medical clinics, tend to move to the front of the queue during a multi-day event. Residential routes get grouped by neighborhood so trucks aren't backtracking across the city.

Equipment and staffing also shift during back-to-back storms. Companies bring on extra plow operators, run trucks in longer shifts, and sometimes push non-essential visits like a second cleanup pass to later in the week once the snow stops falling.

Communication becomes critical here. A reliable company will update customers on expected timing rather than leaving them guessing, especially for commercial clients who need a lot cleared before opening.

At Thames Valley Snow, seasonal service is automatic for every snowfall of 5 cm or more, with return visits during long storms, so London properties stay accessible even when the snow does not let up for days.

Why a Single Pass Is Not Enough in a Long Storm

When snow falls for 24 hours or more, clearing once at the end lets it pack down under tires and freeze into ruts that are hard to remove later. Clearing during the storm keeps the depth manageable. Our seasonal contracts include return visits in long storms rather than one visit per calendar day, and each visit ends with a timestamped photo so you can see when your driveway was done.

The Windrow Comes Back Every Time

During a multi-day event the City plows your street more than once, and each pass can leave a fresh windrow across the end of the driveway, sometimes right after we have been there. Seasonal service includes clearing the City windrow. If one lands after our visit, it is usually picked up on the next pass during an ongoing storm.

Ice Between Storms

Back-to-back systems in southwestern Ontario often mix snow, freezing rain and a thaw, then a hard freeze. That refreeze is where many falls happen. Seasonal salting ($175 plus HST) includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, not only snow days. Keep in mind rock salt works poorly below about -10°C, so on very cold mornings traction can take longer to come back.

How to Prepare Your Property

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Before signing, ask what depth triggers a visit, whether return visits during long storms are included, how the City windrow is handled, and how you will know your property was cleared. Clear written answers now prevent frustration in February.

FAQ

Do I need to call during a storm?

No. Seasonal service starts automatically at 5 cm, with return visits during long storms.

Does a second storm cost extra on a seasonal plan?

No. The seasonal price covers every qualifying snowfall from December 1 to March 31. Per-visit customers pay $70 to $85 plus HST each visit.

Ready to stop worrying about winter? Get a free quote (we measure from City of London maps and aerial imagery and reply within 1 business day), or call or text (548) 888-8702. See how it works or add salting and ice control.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.