Oshawa Pickering Snow Warning Thursday

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Oshawa Pickering Snow Warning Thursday: My Near-Disaster & How to Stay Safe

Okay, so Thursday. Remember that Thursday? The one where Oshawa and Pickering got absolutely hammered with snow? Yeah, that Thursday. Let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster. One minute I was feeling pretty smug about my "preparedness," the next I was practically shoveling my car out of a snowdrift the size of a small car.

The Great Snow Day Debacle

I'd prepped, I swear! I even bought those fancy, super-grippy winter tires. Thought I was golden. Checked the Environment Canada weather forecast – a bit of snow, they said. Ha! "A bit" turned out to be a blizzard-level snowstorm that had me questioning everything.

The drive to work in Oshawa was…an adventure. Let's just say I was pretty much white-knuckling it the whole way. Visibility was, uh, let's just say "challenging." I saw at least three cars already in ditches along the 401. It was a total mess. I almost ended up being one of those cars. Seriously. I almost lost control on the icy Highway 401 near Pickering.

Lessons Learned: Driving in a Snowstorm

Here's what I learned (the hard way):

• Check the Environment Canada Snow Forecasts religiously: Don't just glance at it. Read the details. They're not always 100% accurate, but they give you a much better idea of what to expect than just "a bit of snow."
• Slow down, way down: Even if you have 4x4 or those fancy tires like I thought I did (they're not magic, people!), the roads were treacherous. Driving at a safe speed is crucial for safety.
• Give yourself extra time: That 20-minute commute? Double, or even triple it. You will need it. And plan alternate routes, especially if you know parts of your usual route get nasty in bad weather (like that section on the 401).
• Emergency kit is a MUST: This isn't just about a cute little blanket. I'm talking snacks, water, a first-aid kit, a shovel (seriously), a phone charger, and extra warm clothes. It should even include things like jumper cables, if you can manage it.

The Aftermath: Digging Out

Getting home was even worse than getting to work. My street in Pickering was a complete disaster. Seriously, it was like something out of a movie. People were stuck everywhere. I saw at least three cars spin out in front of my house! I had to spend a good hour and a half just shoveling my driveway, just to get my car out. My arms felt like jelly afterwards. I was completely exhausted.

Post-Snowstorm Survival Tips:

• Clear your car completely: Don't just clear the windshield; clear everything. Roof, lights, and especially your back window. This improves visibility and reduces the chances of things flying off and hitting other cars (or causing an accident).
• Check on your neighbours: Especially elderly neighbours. Offer to help them shovel if you're able. A little community support goes a long way.
• Be patient: Traffic is going to be a nightmare. Just accept it and relax (easier said than done, I know!).

That Thursday was a brutal reminder of how quickly things can go sideways in a snowstorm. But hey, at least I lived to tell the tale and (hopefully) helped you avoid my mistakes! Stay safe out there, people. And always, always check that weather forecast. You'll thank me later.