I live in West Michigan, and 3-4" of snow is basically laughed at anywhere in the city. We have a whole army of plows because there is no question about getting dumped on by lake-effect snow pretty much every winter. It takes a good fall of at the very least 6" to start closing city schools -- and then, it has to fall with perfect timing so that the plows can't get it all off the highways before 7 am. All the kids walk to school, pretty much, so no one worries about bussing or dangerous roads.
This Friday, we actually have a minimum of 8-10" predicted, so I am thinking we just might get our first school closure of the year. That would be convenient because it's the eve of our winter break for the holidays.
I'm the couch potato meteorologist at school, so everyone is always e-mailing me for radar maps and other info when the TV weathermen start hyping about a big snowfall.
The keys to driving in snow are:
(1) Reduce your speed -- by a lot. Don't overcorrect your steering if the car starts to fishtail; be gentle even if instinct tells you otherwise.
(2) Assume that it will take longer to get yourself started at intersections, so don't take chances and wait for a large opening before making turns.
(3) Stay in your lane in plowed/cleared areas. Deep snow on the edge of a ditch will drag your car right down into it.
(4) Don't follow other people too closely.
(5) Don't take unnecessary risks; if you end up in the ditch, you're probably going to be waiting a LONG time for any police or tow trucks (Murphy's Law says there will be 20 people who went in the ditch before you). Make sure to keep a blanket and extra snacks and drinks in your car just in case.
