Snow removal companies use a range of terms that aren't always explained clearly to new customers, and "storm push" versus "cleanup visit" is one distinction worth understanding, since it affects how your property gets serviced during longer or more complex storms.
A storm push refers to a visit that happens during active snowfall, aimed at keeping accumulation manageable while the storm is still ongoing. This is common during long-duration storms where waiting until everything stops would mean dealing with an excessive amount of snow all at once. A storm push doesn't necessarily leave your driveway perfectly clear, since more snow is still falling, but it prevents things from becoming unmanageable.
A cleanup visit happens after a storm has fully ended, aimed at achieving a completely clear driveway down to pavement. This is the visit most homeowners picture when they think about snow removal, and it's typically more thorough since there's no more falling snow to work around.
During a long storm, you might get both: a storm push partway through to prevent a huge buildup, followed by a cleanup visit once the snow actually stops to finish the job completely. This two-stage approach during major storms is often more efficient than trying to handle everything in a single visit after an extended snowfall.
When Does a Visit Start?
Most seasonal plans use a trigger depth. With Thames Valley Snow, a visit starts automatically once 5 cm of snow has fallen, so you do not need to call. During a long storm, that trigger can be reached more than once before the snow stops.
Why Not Wait Until the Storm Ends?
Letting a large storm pile up all at once makes clearing slower and harder, and heavy snow left on a driveway can be packed down by cars into ice. Clearing in stages keeps the driveway usable for people who need to leave for work and makes the final cleanup faster.
What About Ice After the Storm?
Once the snow is cleared, melting and refreezing can leave slippery patches. Seasonal salting ($175 for residential plans) covers freezing rain and refreeze visits, and a pet-safe de-icer option ($120) is available for homes with dogs or sensitive landscaping.
How You Know the Work Was Done
Thames Valley Snow takes timestamped photos of visits, so you can see when your property was cleared, even if you were asleep or away.
How to Prepare Before a Long Storm
A little preparation helps both visits go smoothly. Move vehicles off the driveway when you can, or park them to one side so the crew can clear around them. Keep garbage and recycling bins out of the plowing path, and make sure any hoses, decorations or planters near the driveway edge are put away for the season. Thames Valley Snow marks driveway edges, steps and drains before the season starts, so crews can find them under deep snow. If you have walkways or steps that need clearing, the walkway and steps add-on ($175) covers up to six steps, and sidewalk clearing is available for $90.
Storm Push vs Cleanup at a Glance
A storm push happens while snow is still falling and keeps the driveway manageable. A cleanup visit happens after the storm and clears the driveway as completely as conditions allow. During a short storm, a single cleanup is often all that is needed. During a long or heavy storm, expect both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a storm push leave my driveway completely clear?
Not always. Snow may still be falling, so the goal is to keep accumulation manageable until the final cleanup.
Do extra visits cost more on a seasonal plan?
Seasonal plans cover visits triggered at 5 cm through the season. Check your agreement for the details of your plan.
Want a clear price for your property? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. We send quotes within 2 business days. Learn more about residential snow removal and commercial snow removal.
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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