More Than 400 Schools Close Amid Dangerously Low Temps

DETROIT (WWJ) - Thousands of students across metro Detroit have the day off Thursday because of bitterly cold weather.

More than 400 area schools are closed, including all Detroit Public Schools and EAA schools. Other districts closed include Dearborn, Farmington, Fraser, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth Canton, Romulus, Taylor, Southgate, Warren Consolidated and Walled Lake.

[SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Check The List]

CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus said Thursday is going to be an extreme winter weather day across southeastern Michigan. A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect for the entire region until 4 p.m.

"Some of the coldest air of the season is settling over the area today," Madaus said. "The wind chill readings will drop to about 20 below zero and that pattern will continue throughout the day. Those are some dangerous wind chill readings."

Following that, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday. Madaus said snow will begin this evening with about two inches expected overnight.

The heaviest snow will fall between 7 p.m. and midnight. Wind gusts up to 30 mph could also cause frequent blowing and drifting snow.

Here's the local forecast from the CBS Detroit weather team:

Thursday: Bitterly cold with variable clouds and snow showers. High around 10F; Low near 0F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.

Friday: Partly cloudy with a few flurries or snow showers possible. High 17F; Low near 0F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.

Saturday: Very cold. A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 12F; Low 7F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.

Sunday: Partly cloudy and not as cold. High near 30F; Low 17F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Monday:  Partly cloudy. High 29F; Low 14F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

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