Residents in Lambton and Middlesex counties continue to clear snow from a recent winter storm, revealing acts of community support amid stark safety warnings. Local tow truck operator Gary Vandenheuvel, co-owner of Preferred Towing in Sarnia, Ontario, emphasizes preparation after spending hours in the blizzard.
Storm Paralyzes Roads and Buries Vehicles
The storm halted travel across the region Friday night through Saturday, leading authorities to label it a major event. Highways like 402 between London and Sarnia closed Sunday due to massive snow drifts from high winds, some nearly burying vehicles with drivers inside.
Diverted traffic clogged smaller rural roads, worsening drifts. Vandenheuvel notes, “Once that wind kicks in, the snow drifts start to build, and it just makes it impossible to move, especially on those routes.” Drivers often ignored blizzard warnings, underestimating conditions.
Tow Crews Overwhelmed, Community Rallies with Snowmobiles
Vandenheuvel’s 12-person team and other operators fielded hundreds of calls, working up to 30 hours straight. Many stranded motorists remained inaccessible as tow trucks struggled through the snow. “Tow trucks are vehicles, just like everybody else’s. We’re not able to magically get through snow that everybody else can’t get through,” Vandenheuvel states.
First responders and volunteers turned to snowmobiles and farm equipment for rescues amid low visibility. Graham Snyder, spokesperson for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs District 5, explains, “It’s just kind of a natural reaction to a crisis. People knew there were people in danger, they put themselves in other people’s shoes.” Assistance also came via tractors and snow blowers.
Police Praise Long-Term Planning
Ontario Provincial Police West Region media relations coordinator Derek Rogers credits preparations from a 2010 storm, which stranded over 1,500 people, for easing response efforts. “The OPP initiated what we call regional mobilization, which is essentially all hands on deck. Warming centres were established to assist with folks who were caught in the bad weather, and then began the meticulous process of checking all of these vehicles to make sure that everybody was OK,” Rogers says.
Authorities identified about 150 abandoned vehicles on Highway 402 and handled roughly 400 calls during the event. Vandenheuvel urges readiness: “You absolutely have to be prepared.” Rogers adds, “We know that people have to travel, but check the weather before you leave and make that decision about whether or not you want to risk it.”
Essential Safety Tips for Winter Driving
- Check road conditions before departing.
- Keep a full gas tank, charged phone, snacks, and warm clothing.
- Stay in your vehicle if stranded.
- Clear snow from the tailpipe before idling for heat to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
