The normal winters here in Alabama in the last several years have been - maybe - one dusting of snow, an inch or two. That closes all schools and quite a few businesses.
This year we've had two snows that left 6" and 4" on the ground for close to a week apiece. While I know that is laughable to you {and me as a matter of fact, since I've lived in snow country before}, remember this one little tidbit.....there's no snow plows in this area. They just announce the roads are closed and you're on your own. They don't sell snow shovels here, either.