Heavy Snow East Toronto: 14cm - A Shoveller's Tale
Okay, folks, let's talk about that monster snowstorm that hit East Toronto last week. Fourteen centimeters! Seriously, it felt like a whole lot more. I mean, I've lived in Toronto for, like, forever and I've seen my share of snow. But this? This was something else. My back is still killing me.
The Blizzard Begins: A Personal Anecdote
I woke up to what I thought was a normal winter day. You know, a little chilly, maybe some flurries. Nope. By the time I got ready for work, the snow was already piling up. And I mean piling. I’m talking serious accumulation – the kind that makes you question your life choices of living in a place with four distinct seasons and tons of winter precipitation.
I should have checked the weather forecast more carefully. Major fail on my part. I rushed out, thinking I could just quickly shovel the driveway before heading to work, and boy, was I wrong. I ended up spending like three hours trying to clear the path to my car — three hours! And my car is a small Honda Civic. I honestly felt like I was moving an infinite amount of snow. That's why it's important to always, always check the forecast before you go out in winter weather.
The Struggles of Snow Removal
You know that feeling when your muscles start burning and you think you might actually throw your shovel across the street? Yeah, I got that feeling multiple times that day. My arms ached, my back ached, even my legs ached! But hey, at least I got a killer workout in. Right? Right?
Seriously though, this experience taught me a few things about snow removal. First, proper equipment makes all the difference. I used a flimsy plastic shovel and that was just plain dumb. For next time, I'm investing in a good quality ergonomic shovel – that's non-negotiable. Second, take your time and go slow. Trying to rush it just leads to injury.
Practical Tips for Handling Heavy Snowfalls:
- Check the forecast: This sounds obvious, but it’s crucial. Know what you're up against before you head out. Look for things like the accumulation total and the type of snow. A wet, heavy snow like we had is going to be much harder to handle than a dry, fluffy one.
- Invest in good equipment: This includes a quality shovel, a snowblower if your budget allows, and good, warm clothing. Seriously, layers are your best friend when dealing with heavy snowfall.
- Work in short bursts: Don’t try to do everything at once. Take frequent breaks to avoid injury. Drink plenty of water. Trust me, this is way more important than it sounds.
- Clear a path for emergency vehicles: If there's a fire hydrant near your home, make sure the area is clear of snow. This is essential for firefighters and emergency crews. We want to ensure their safety in case of emergencies.
Aftermath and Reflections
By the time I finally got to work, I was exhausted, stiff, and running late. Let’s just say my boss was not amused. On the plus side, I got a pretty decent story to tell my friends and I learned the hard way why it's always crucial to check the weather forecast before tackling that East Toronto snow.
Learning from mistakes is key. Next time there's a significant snowfall predicted, you can bet I'll be ready with my new ergonomic shovel, a hot cuppa, and a whole lot more patience. And maybe I'll even try that snowblower thing.
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