UPDATED Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is closing state government for the third day this week due to winter weather, saying the step is needed to keep people safe.
Essential employees are continuing to work.
Whitmer — who announced Wednesday that state offices will remain closed Thursday — visited the State Emergency Operations Center near Lansing, thanking workers after getting a briefing. The National Weather Service says the extreme cold will last into Thursday.
Wind chill factors of minus 40 degrees (negative 40 degree Celsius) can quickly lead to frostbite.
Free bus rides are being offered in the Detroit area. Mail delivery is suspended. Universities and schools are closed.
Amid snow, winter storm warnings are in effect. Dozens of flights are canceled at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
UPDATED Tuesday evening:
Much of Michigan's state government is closing for the second time this week due to dangerous winter weather.
Offices in the executive, legislative and judicial branches are closed Wednesday.
Essential employees in state departments must still report to work.
Lansing is reinstating driving restrictions on city roads.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an order declaring a state of emergency ahead of expected subzero temperatures. She also activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts.
Whitmer wants the public to understand the seriousness of what she says is a once-in-a-generation cold snap. She visited a Lansing warming center Tuesday.
Wind chill factors may drop to as low as negative 45 degrees from Tuesday night through Thursday morning.
The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and other schools have canceled classes.
