In most schools I work in, a great many of the children come from quite a distance. Children don't always go to school at the nearest school to them, these days. Once the school is open for the day, it is a huge responsibility if the weather turns really bad. Sometimes, like the school I was at today, they have to ring around every parent and get the children collected early. That is quite a big task, especially in large schools. The school I was at today was brilliant, all staff pulling their weight, doing their best to get to school and at all times, the safety and education of the pupils the primary consideration. I am proud to work alongside such conscientious people...come on snow, melt quickly, please!
In my experience, our local area is pretty good at informing parents as soon as a decision to close a school is made.