(WWJ) More than five million people in southeastern Michigan are covered under a Cold Weather Advisory that is in effect for southeastern Michigan until Saturday morning.
High temperatures Friday were expected to be 6, but wind chill readings of 15 to 25 below are likely. Temperatures Friday night into Saturday morning are expected to drop to nine below. The record is -13 set in 1963.
Some hospitals were starting to report deaths and injuries related to the cold.
"We have already had cases this year where, you know, people have lost fingers and toes because of severe frostbite injuries, and if you are outside long enough, yes we have seen deaths from cold exposures even this year," Detroit Medical Center emergency room physician Dr. Erin Brennan told WWJ's Luke Sloan Friday morning. "Unfortunately it happens every year especially for those in our communities who have housing insecurity."
A message was left with Detroit police seeking more information.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Department was investigating the death of Moneque Cook, 53, of Eastpointe who was found behind a dumpster in Mt. Clemens.
Doctors say the cold can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 5-30 minutes. They say frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan's 211 call center is taking about 750 calls a day, according to Tasha Ball, the Director of 211 services.
The most calls come in for utilities and rent payment assistance and shelter requests.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said Friday morning there are warming shelters at recreation centers and libraries across the city as well as shelter beds.
In response to continued dangerously cold temperatures, the City of Detroit extended emergency stand-by shelters and respite locations to ensure residents have access to safe, warm spaces during extreme winter conditions.
Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo has extended a cold weather health emergency to support ongoing efforts to keep residents safe during the severe weather, the city said in a statement.
To provide Detroit residents with relief from the cold, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Pope Francis Center, and Neighborhood Service Organization are activating overnight standby shelter services. Those locations are:
--Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Stand-by Shelter location, 13130 Woodward Avenue, is operating through Tuesday, January 27 at 12 p.m.
This site can accept families and single adults.
--Pope Francis Center Stand-by Shelter location, 2915 W. Hancock, is operating through Tuesday, January 27 at 12 p.m. This site can only accept single adults.
--Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) Stand-by location, 882 Oakman Blvd, will open starting Friday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, January 27 at 12 p.m. This site can only accept single adults.
People who are worried about someone’s immediate safety due to the weather should call 911 for a welfare check.
Hundreds of public and private schools cancelled classes on Friday. Several universities in Michigan also cancelled classes or moved to remote learning.
Oakland University, Wayne State, Grand Valley State University and UM-Dearborn switched to online learning Friday, while Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, Ferris State, Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech all cancelled classes Friday.
Temperatures aren't expected to go higher than the teens through Tuesday. And snow is in the forecast for Sunday.
Here's the AccuWeather forecast:
Saturday: frigid with some sun giving way to clouds. High only 7. Snow arrives late Saturday night.
Sunday: cloudy and frigid with snow ending in the evening. Roads will be snow-packed and slippery. Snow will accumulate 2-4 inches, with higher amounts closer to the Ohio state line. High Sunday 15.
Monday: mostly cloudy, brisk and cold with a couple of snow showers. High 15.
Tuesday: cloudy, breezy and remaining cold with some snow or flurries. High 19.
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