WASHINGTON — Even when snowy weather fouls up traffic and forces schools to close, some offices stay open, and that can lead to confusion for employees.

The woman behind the Ask a Manager blog, Alison Green, gave U.S. News and World Report answers to some frequent questions employees ask on wacky winter weather days.

Here are a few:

Can your boss require you to come to work, even in treacherous weather?

A:  Yes, but if people are being urged to stay off the roads you use to get to work, you should point this out to your employer before attempting the trip.

If your company leaves it up to individual employees to decide whether they can make it to the office safely, will you look bad if you don’t come in?

A:  Green says if you don’t know what to do, ask your boss directly, and pay attention to his answer.  If he urges you to stay home, then do so.  If he hints that he could use your help, try to head in.

Wondering if your boss can force you take a vacation day if your office closes for a snow day?

A:  Again, the answer is yes.

Visit U.S. News & World Report’s website for more questions and answers.