Weekend Blizzard Leaves 150 Vehicles Stranded

As areas of Lambton and Middlesex counties work to recover from yet another winter storm, there are heartwarming stories about people stepping up to lend a hand.

However, these tales also come with serious warnings – reminders that a local tow truck operator who spent hours in the snow says could mean life or death.

“You absolutely have to be prepared,” said Gary Vandenheuvel, co-owner of Preferred Towing in Sarnia, Ont.

The storm brought travel to a standstill on the region’s roads Friday night into Saturday, leading OPP to label it a “significant event.” Many roads were closed on Sunday, including Hwy. 402 between London and Sarnia.

Strong winds created massive snow drifts, in some cases nearly burying stranded vehicles while their drivers remained inside.

Many passenger vehicles were partially buried by snow. (Submitted by Gary Vandenheuvel)

This weekend required all hands for Vandenheuvel’s 12-person team, as well as many other towing companies across the area.

He noted that the closure of Hwy. 402 caused traffic to shift onto smaller rural roads that aren’t regularly maintained.

“Once that wind kicks in, and everything starts happening out there, the snow drifts start to build, and it just makes it impossible to move, especially on those routes,” Vandenheuvel said.

“Unfortunately, people leave not thinking that the road conditions are going to be that bad. There were blizzard warnings out, but [they didn’t] heed those warnings.”

During this chaos, Vandenheuvel reported getting hundreds of calls and tow truck operators worked for up to 30 hours trying to assist those who were stuck.

Tow trucks couldn’t reach them so snowmobilers stepped in

Despite their efforts, he mentioned most calls came from people who simply couldn’t be reached.

“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 said.

(Ontario Provincial Police)

The deep snow drifts and poor visibility led first responders and Good Samaritans alike to use snowmobiles and farm equipment for assistance.

Citizens eager to help took action according to Graham Snyder, spokesperson for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs District 5.

“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,” Graham Snyder said.





“It wasn’t just snowmobiles either; but [people helped with] tractors and snow blowers.”

Police say preparation made a difference

According >toOntario Provincial Police’s West Region media relations coordinator Derek Rogers , police handling of this storm was easier thanks**to preparations made after the 2010 storm which left over **1 ,500 people stuck on highways in Lambton County.

After that incident , police along with local governments took steps towards better planning for future storms , he shared.

” 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 bad weather , then began checking all these vehicles meticulously**to ensure everyone was okay ,” Rogers said.

He added law enforcement knew about roughly **150 abandoned vehicles on Highway 402**, while OPP previously mentioned receiving around **400 calls during this weather event.

Vandenheuvel isn’t alone in encouraging drivers**to stay prepared**and evaluate road conditions before heading out.

” We know people need travel , but check the weather before you leave **and make an informed decision about whether or not you want risk it ,” Rogers advised.

Tips from OPP include :– Checking road conditions before departing. – Having a full tank of gas , fully charged cell phone , snacks , and warm clothing. – Staying inside your vehicle. – Making sure your tailpipe is clear of snow if running your vehicle for warmth since failing could lead carbon monoxide poisoning.

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