Snow squalls between London and Woodstock: how to get through

By Brent Meadows, Hollingsworth Meadows Cavaliere LLP · November 2026

Ask anyone who drives the 401 regularly about winter and they'll mention the same stretch: London to Woodstock. In early winter, snow squalls off Lake Huron sweep across this part of the highway, and sometimes they reach as far east as Toronto. One minute the road is clear and dry. The next, you can barely see the car in front of you.

Why squalls are so dangerous

A squall is a narrow band of very heavy snow, often with strong wind. It can drop visibility to almost nothing in seconds, then clear just as fast a few kilometres later. Drivers come out of the clear stretch at full highway speed, hit a wall of white, and brake. That's how the multi-vehicle pileups on this stretch happen.

Before you leave

• Check Ontario 511 road conditions and the cameras near London and Woodstock. Our Winter watch section puts them in one place.
• Look for snow squall warnings in the Environment Canada forecast for Middlesex and Oxford counties.
• If a warning is out, ask whether the trip can wait a few hours, or plan to stop in London or Woodstock overnight.
• Pack a winter kit: blanket, charger, water, snacks, scraper, booster cables and a flashlight.

If you drive into one

• Slow down gradually. Don't slam on the brakes.
• Turn on your full headlights and tail lights so drivers behind can see you.
• Leave far more space than usual. Watch for brake lights ahead.
• Don't stop in a live lane. If you need to get off the road, use an exit or one of the ONroute plazas: Dutton and Woodstock eastbound, West Lorne and Ingersoll westbound.
• Don't pass snowplows. The road ahead of them is worse than the road behind.

If you're in a pileup

Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if it's safer than getting out onto the highway, and call 911. Chain-reaction collisions raise difficult questions about who's responsible, and several insurers are often involved. If you were hurt, write down everything you remember as soon as you can, and get advice before you talk to anyone else's insurer.

This article is general information about Ontario law and programs as of November 2026. It isn't legal advice. Your situation may have exceptions or different deadlines.