Snow panic?

This last storm, at least in my area really wasn't a big deal, more like normal winter weather. But of course, the internet and the news blew it up like it was the end of the world. I got 6 inches of snow on top of the 3 feet I already had at my house, big deal. I got about 18 inches of snow at work on top of the 2 feet that were already there, big deal. I drive 57 miles each way back and forth to work, up and over the mountains. 3 to 5 feet of snow up there, the roads were clear so big deal. I was absolutely shocked on my way in this morning, the roads were empty! Not a car in sight, business closed or on limited staff for the day. I get to work, no customers, no parts deliveries. Seriously? It's winter, in Vermont what do people expect? School canceled even BEFORE it started snowing, my grocery delivery canceled BEFORE it started snowing. WTF? Seriously WTF