Pickering-Oshawa Snow Squall Thursday: A Day I'll Never Forget (And Some Tips to Survive the Next One!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm about to tell you a story about that Thursday. You know, the one with the Pickering-Oshawa snow squall that totally wrecked everything? Yeah, that one. I'm still recovering, honestly.
The Day the World Turned White (and Kinda Crazy)
It started innocently enough. A little flurrying in the morning, nothing too crazy. I even thought, "Sweet, a snow day!" Yeah, right. By noon, the snow was coming down sideways, seriously sideways. I mean, this wasn't your average dusting. This was a full-on blizzard. Visibility? About five feet, maybe? Less. I was working from home, thankfully, but the power flickered on and off all afternoon. Talk about stressful!
My internet went down around 3 pm. Seriously, the worst timing ever. I had a deadline looming – a huge presentation for work. My heart sank. I tried everything – restarting my router, checking the modem...nothing. The snow was piling up outside. It was getting kinda scary, honestly. I ended up having to drive through it to go to a coffee shop to finish that presentation. I should have stayed home, that was a terrible idea.
Driving in the Snow Squall: A Masterclass in Panic
Let me tell you, driving in that snow squall was a nightmare. I'm a pretty experienced driver, but this was different. The roads were completely covered, the visibility was next to nil, and there were cars everywhere just...stopped. I swear I saw at least three fender benders. It was insane! I actually almost got stuck a couple of times. The snow was so thick, I couldn't see the road. I was low-key freaking out.
Lesson learned: Don't drive in a snow squall unless it's absolutely necessary. Seriously. Stay home. If you must drive (like I did, because of the deadline!), make sure your car is winterized, including checking your tires, battery, and fluids. And drive slowly. Take it easy. I know we all want to get to our destination ASAP, but safety is crucial.
What I Wish I'd Done Differently
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I'd done differently:
- Prepared earlier: I should have stocked up on extra food and water before the storm hit. I ran out of coffee, the tragedy of tragedies.
- Charged my phone: My battery died just when I needed it most for navigation.
- Checked the weather forecast more carefully: Okay, this is on me. I should have paid closer attention to the warnings. I saw the forecast but didn't take it seriously enough.
Pickering-Oshawa Snow Squall Survival Tips: From One Survivor to Another
This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: be prepared! Here's my advice based on my less-than-pleasant experience:
- Monitor weather reports closely: Pay attention to warnings, especially those mentioning snow squalls, and take them seriously.
- Have an emergency kit: Keep a kit with flashlights, batteries, extra chargers, blankets, non-perishable food, and water.
- Check your car: Make sure it's winterized and you have an emergency car kit.
- Stay informed: Keep your phone charged and follow local news for updates.
The Pickering-Oshawa snow squall of Thursday was a brutal experience, but hey, I survived! And I learned a lot along the way. Hopefully, this helps you stay safe and avoid a similar fate. And hey, maybe next time I'll actually get that snow day! ;)