What's a Polar Vortex and How Does It Affect Snow Removal?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Every few winters, London residents hear the term "polar vortex" and wonder whether it means more snow or just brutal cold. A polar vortex is a large pocket of extremely cold air that normally sits over the Arctic but occasionally dips south into Ontario, bringing days of dangerously low temperatures rather than necessarily heavy snowfall.

During a polar vortex event, temperatures can plunge well below minus twenty degrees Celsius with wind chill, which changes how snow and ice behave on the ground. Standard rock salt loses much of its melting power in that kind of cold, so ice that would normally clear in a day can linger far longer. Equipment also runs less efficiently in extreme cold, which can slow down plowing routes across a service area.

Existing snow and ice on driveways and walkways tend to become harder and more compacted during a polar vortex, since there is little to no melt-and-refreeze cycle to soften it. This is often when black ice risk is highest, especially on walkways that see partial sun exposure during the day and refreeze hard overnight. Homeowners sometimes notice that a driveway looks clear but is actually coated in a thin, hard layer of ice underneath.

Because standard salt is less effective, professional crews typically switch to calcium chloride or other cold-weather de-icing blends during a polar vortex to keep surfaces safe. Timing also shifts, since crews may treat a property more than once to stay ahead of refreezing rather than relying on a single application.

Thames Valley Snow adjusts both products and scheduling automatically when a polar vortex or extreme cold warning is in effect, so customers do not need to ask for special treatment during these stretches. If you have noticed ice sticking around longer than usual this winter, reach out and we can walk through what is included in your plan.

What extreme cold changes

During deep cold, snow is lighter and blows around, and salt works poorly. Clearing promptly matters more because packed snow turns to ice that will not melt for days.

Steps and walkways

Ice on steps is the biggest risk. Grit adds traction when salt cannot work, and pet-safe de-icer is available for $120.

Protect your home

Check outdoor taps, keep the garage door seal free of ice, and keep a path to the gas meter clear.

Frequently asked questions

Do crews still come out in extreme cold?

Yes, visits continue at 5 cm or more.

Does seasonal salting help?

It includes refreeze visits, although salt works more slowly at very low temperatures.

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.