My company is based in Boston and a lot of people who work there are based in the area. They're treating it like a hurricane, kids out of school, runs on grocery stores, etc.
Mount Washington where there might -100 wind Chill is noted for having some of the worst weather in the North America.
Grew up in northwest Montana and I dont remember the exact details but i remember a few week period where it rarely got above 10. Some eastern parts of the state would get to -50 or so with windchill. I never regret moving far away from the cold.