Chaos for travelers: the most dangerous snowfall is not what you think

DON’T MISS: La Niña’s faltering role in an unexplored season ahead

3. Uncertainty in the weather forecast and lack of preparation

Many travelers base their decisions on morning forecasts, and winter snow flurries can have similar uncertainty to summer storms. Then, a burst of heavy snow that was once forecast for 7 pm decides to visit millions of people at 5 pm, creating a horrible commute landscape.

It’s not just Toronto that has seen commuter chaos due to snow storms and weather events.

Commuter Tip: Check The Weather Network’s forecast periodically throughout the day and before you hit the road.

Recent White Knuckle Drives

November 29, 2022: Vancouver drivers faced travel times of more than 12 hours – yes, 12 HOURS. And this is for people who were expecting a 20 minute ride. The cars were moving at about 1 km per hour, about four times the speed of a threatened sloth.

Heavy, wet snowfall peaked in the early afternoon With temperatures close to zero they toured the city, creating roads that could be skated on. This is one of the worst commutes in Metro Vancouver in recent memory, with ill-prepared drivers facing unwelcome weather conditions. The lack of winter tires and snow removal equipment magnifies the chaos in this region.

November 18, 2024: Calgary drivers had an abrupt transition to winter driving conditions this November Monday morning. Weeks of mild weather and double-digit temperatures gave way to wet snow, leading to hundreds of minor accidents. It was a highly localized event with no snowfall in Red Deer, highlighting that these microclimates often lead to sharp boundaries between adverse weather.