The entire economy can’t just shut down because of some snow. Realisitically the most dangerous part about that weather is the driving, if we just built public transit, their commute wouldn’t even be that different from a sunny day. If you dress for the weather you’ll be fine.

Yes it can.

Is this a technical argument like, “It absolutely can shut down. It shouldn’t, but it can.”

Or are you arguing that it should shut down for a day? If so, do mean for holidays or more like a general strike? In either case, would there be exceptions?

The economy will survive if businesses aren’t open for a day or two in places the weather is angry 

As long as people don’t go driving around in cars unnecessarily, heavy snow and storms aren’t that bad to get around in. Buss lanes are usually the first to be plowed and walking in a snow storm is always so cozy. Just wear a lot of layers.

People with mobility issues and even just people with shorter legs can struggle to walk around in a snow storm, especially when budgets vastly prioritize car lanes over sidewalks and pathways.

And if you do have to drive its fine so long as you leave earlier to account for slower speeds and some delays like plows or accidents.

Yes disabled people exist. They shouldn’t be out and about in a snow storm. Please don’t go driving around in it though. You’re in the way of the plows doing their job and you are not as experienced as the buss drivers. You’re likely to get stuck and cause an accident. We can let some days be exceptional days, everything doesn’t have to work all the time.