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I'm not sure how to ask my boss if I can leave early because of weather (specifically snow). I came in this morning, to get some work done before it got worse. Well it's worse now and the roads are starting to get really bad. Not to mention, I live a half hour away in good weather; I'm already expecting a long trip home.

How should I ask my boss if I can leave early? He doesn't seem to be in a rush to leave himself, but I'm pretty sure he lives closer. Some co-workers haven't come in at all today. I can't seem to find a policy on my company's intranet regarding weather.

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    I just want to add - if this become a continuous problem and they don't let you leave when there is a serious reason to, look for another company/boss that has a better policy. No job is worth risking your life in truly bad weather. I work in a large department, my boss lets us WFH if we wish freely during weather. Another boss in my department does not let their team do the same. They normally look for jobs underneath my boss in a few winter seasons. – MattR Feb 20 at 17:48
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    Would help to know a location. Some areas look at snow differently. 3 feet of snow is "moderate commute time" in Manitoba, they call in the army in Toronto, and NYC starts rioting and looting like it's the end of the world. – Trevor D Feb 20 at 18:58
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    Some locations have issues if there is 1cm of snow... some drivers should not be out with or without snow... – Solar Mike Feb 20 at 19:20
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    Key words to use are "safety" and "inclement" - e.g. "I'm worried about road safety conditions due to the inclement weather, so I will be leaving early working/remote." – LawrenceC Feb 20 at 23:05
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    @ForwardEd While I agree with the sentiment of your comment, this is the Workplace stack exchange. Most of the posts here are "business-esque". I was not making a blanket statement to pick apart. – MattR Feb 21 at 13:57
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You say to your boss

Hey boss. I'm a bit twitchy about getting home in the snow. Would it be alright if I left a bit early and made up the time (at home/later in the week/some other way that is acceptable in your organisation)?

Adjust tone to suit your relationship with your boss.

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    Any reasonable boss should accept this... – Solar Mike Feb 20 at 18:24
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    Any halfway decent boss should know to put the safety of his employees above all else. As long as it's clear your concern is legitimate, he should absolutely let you go! – AffableAmbler Feb 20 at 18:25
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    @TrevorD I have seen 30cm of snow arrive in under 2 hours : makes the trip home a lot more interesting... – Solar Mike Feb 20 at 19:12
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    @TrevorD Some work places don't have the facilities... Some have kids that need feeding at home... the reasons are legion... – Solar Mike Feb 20 at 19:19
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    @TrevorD I'd rather drive through 2 inches of snow while it's still falling than through 6 inches of snow when it's clear. I can't think of a scenario where it would safer to stay, unless you are planning to spend the night. – Seth R Feb 20 at 19:25

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