What's the Difference Between Flurries and a Snow Squall?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Flurries and snow squalls both show up on the forecast as snow, but they behave nothing alike. Knowing the difference matters if you are trying to plan your day or figure out whether you need to worry about driveway clearing.

Flurries are light, scattered snow showers that drop small amounts of accumulation, usually less than a centimetre, and rarely affect visibility or driving conditions in a serious way. They tend to come and go quickly and are more of a nuisance than a hazard.

A snow squall is a completely different animal. It is an intense, localized burst of heavy snow that drops visibility to near zero in minutes, often accompanied by strong wind gusts. Squalls can dump several centimetres of snow in a very short window, and Environment Canada issues specific squall warnings because they catch drivers off guard so quickly. Roads that were clear can become treacherous within a five or ten minute stretch.

The practical difference for snow removal comes down to response. Flurries rarely trigger a service visit on their own. A squall, especially one that lingers or repeats through the day, can add up to plow-worthy accumulation fast, and lake-effect squalls off Lake Huron are a regular feature of London winters.

How Squalls Form Around London

Lake-effect squalls form when cold air moves across the relatively warmer water of Lake Huron, picks up moisture, and drops it as narrow bands of heavy snow downwind. Because the bands are narrow, one part of the city can get several centimetres while another stays almost clear.

Driving and Walking Safely in a Squall

If a squall warning is issued, delay travel if you can. On the road, slow down, turn on your headlights and leave plenty of space. If visibility drops to near zero, pull off safely as soon as you can. On foot, watch for snow-covered ice on steps and walkways, which is common when squalls follow a thaw.

When Snowfall Triggers Service

Thames Valley Snow seasonal service is automatic for every snowfall of 5 cm or more from December 1 to March 31, so you do not need to call when a squall hits. Flurries under that amount do not trigger a visit, while a squall that drops 5 cm or more does. In long storms or repeated squalls, return visits keep the driveway manageable, and the City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared too.

Keeping Ice Under Control

Squalls often bring blowing snow that packs down and refreezes. Seasonal salt at $175 covers freezing rain and refreeze visits, and a pet-safe de-icer is available for $120 if you have pets.

Why Forecasts Struggle With Squalls

Because squall bands are narrow and can shift with the wind, forecasts often give a range for an area rather than an exact amount for your street. Watch the radar and any active warnings on squall days, and expect conditions to change quickly between neighbourhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a snow squall always mean a lot of snow?

Not always. Some squalls pass in minutes and leave little behind, while others stall or repeat and add up quickly. The sudden loss of visibility is often the bigger danger than the total amount.

What is the difference between a squall warning and a snowfall warning?

A squall warning is about short, intense bursts with sudden visibility loss. A snowfall warning is about a significant total amount over a longer period. Check Environment Canada for the current warnings in your area.

Let the squalls come. Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702 for automatic seasonal clearing, and see our residential snow removal and salting and ice control options.

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.