We get winter weather so infrequently that schools close down with a winter weather forecast before it even hits a lot of times. Hardly any equipment to clear roads, lots of hilly and narrow backroads that stay frozen for days after, and bus drivers that don't have experience driving in it makes for a bad combination for safety. That said I bet we average 2-3 snow days per year.
The same thing is happening in SE Minnesota now. There was a time (I know this comments dates me) when Minnesota people were a hardy bunch who took pride in our ability to survive a tough winter. Some of us actually enjoyed the winter season with tubing, skiing, snowmobiling, winter bonfires and other activities that got us out of the house.
There was a time when a forecast for a few inches of snow was not an armegeddon event. We drove two wheel drive cars and pickups and somehow we got to school, church, and even some social events. Schools remained open at least until the snow event started. Schools would open but might close mid day if conditions warranted.
Today, a forecast of 2-4 inches of snow is the lead story on the 6:00pm news. The news and weather team puts the entire region into full panic mode. They position reporters out in the town to report on the what they see. Its kind of hilarious to watch them in action as they report starting to see a few snow flurries.
They warn all motorists to have survival gear which includes, food, water, medicine, extra clothes and this is all for the 5 mile commute to work. The schools all close just in case some snow arrives. Of course once the decision has been made to close the schools the "yutes" (youths) all start making plans for where they can drive on the snow day. The local mall's parking lot is full of cars on the "snow day".
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Minnesota. When I watch the news and see how the folks who seldom see ice and snow drive it probably makes sense to be a bit conservative with regard to travel. Ice and snow conditions can be dangerous for drivers regardless of were we live. I just don't think we have to bring our daily lives to a standstill when a few inches of snow is in the forecast. And to be honest, the weather forecasters seem to enjoy the excitement of a pending snow event.