Every so often, London gets an early-season snowstorm that catches everyone off guard, arriving well before most people have switched their mindset from fall to winter mode. These early storms tend to cause more disruption than a similar storm later in the season, simply because nobody is ready for them yet.
One of the biggest issues with a surprise early storm is that many snow removal contracts and service signups have not started yet. If you were planning to sign up for seasonal service but had not gotten around to it, an early storm can leave you scrambling to find someone available on short notice, especially since providers are often not yet fully staffed up for the season.
Vehicles are another common problem area. If winter tires have not been swapped on yet, or vehicles have not been prepped for cold weather, an early storm can mean driving on all-seasons through slushy or snowy conditions that call for far more traction.
Landscaping and outdoor items also tend to get caught out. Patio furniture, hoses, and other items that would normally be put away before winter can end up buried or damaged if a storm arrives while they are still out.
Clear It Before It Freezes
Early-season snow is often wet and heavy because the ground is still warm. That makes it harder to shovel, but it also means it can melt and refreeze overnight into a hard, icy layer. Clearing the driveway and walkway the same day, before temperatures drop, saves a lot of chipping later. Push the snow rather than lifting it when you can, and take breaks.
Protect Your Lawn and Garden Edges
Before the ground freezes, the edges of a lawn are soft and easy to damage. If you clear the driveway yourself, keep the shovel or blower on the paved surface. Marking driveway edges with stakes before the season helps anyone clearing your property see where the pavement ends, especially once snow covers the curb and the garden beds.
Get Your Snow Plan in Place Early
The easiest way to avoid a scramble is to sign up before the first snowfall. A seasonal plan from Thames Valley Snow is $650, and service starts automatically once 5 cm of snow falls. If you would rather pay as you go, per-visit service is $70. Add-ons like sidewalk clearing ($90), a walkway plus six steps ($175) or salting ($175) can be added to fit your property. Seniors and front-line workers get a 5% discount.
Quick Checklist for an Early Storm
Put away hoses, patio furniture and garden tools. Book your winter tire swap. Keep a shovel and a bag of ice melt by the door. Check that your outdoor taps are shut off and drained. Move bins and decorations off the driveway so they do not get buried.
Watch for Slippery Steps and Walkways
Wet early snow packs down fast under foot traffic and turns slick once the temperature drops at night. Clear the front steps and the path to the door first, then spread a little ice melt. If you have pets, a pet-safe de-icer is gentler on paws. Check again in the morning, since melt from the roof can refreeze on steps overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to sign up after the first storm?
No. You can still sign up for a seasonal plan after the first snowfall. We send quotes within 2 business days.
What counts as a storm that triggers service?
Service starts automatically once 5 cm of snow has fallen on your property.
Want a set price for your property? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. Quotes come back within 2 business days. You can also read about residential snow removal and our prices.
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 $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $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.
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Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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