Why do Americans get a snow day when they have an inch of snow?

Answer 1

Not all schools receive snow days just because there is snow on the ground. For instance in the northern part of the country where cities often get heavy or large amounts of snow are more prepared (they have supplies of sand and/or salt to deal with ice as well as many trucks equipped with snow plows). The amount of snow necessary to close schools and businesses could be quite high and usually only happens when it is too dangerous for vehicles to drive until snow can be cleared as much as possible.

The southern states which don't receive much snow and therefore don't really need these supplies in large amounts and therefore don't have them readily available for large storms which is why they are more likely to have snow days with very minimal snow on the ground. It could also be that there isn't much snow but the roads are very icy.

Answer 2

Americans may have a snow day with just an inch of snow due to safety concerns. In areas that don't typically experience heavy snowfall, infrastructure and resources may not be equipped to handle even small amounts of snow, making travel dangerous. Schools and businesses may close to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of residents.