We got to 42 below last night, with blowing snow, and I can assure you that it's nasty cold. My Jeep didn't want to start, the roads were a mess, and still were this morning.

Transportation, power and water issues, not to mention plain old hypothermia and frostbite aside, as a parent, I appreciate having a heads up on a school closure, so I can arrange my child care. My son walks to school so I'd likely keep him home in those temps anyway, but knowing ahead of time that he'll be home is helpful.