Hundreds of Metro Detroit schools close for dangerously cold weather

Hundreds of Metro Detroit schools issued closing notices for Friday, Jan. 23, in response to dangerously cold air that is part of a massive winter storm system affecting more than 200 million people in the eastern U.S.

The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for Friday into Saturday morning, reflecting a forecast for dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero. While cold weather is not a common reason for cancelling school in Southeast Michigan, it is part of many districts' emergency plans and procedures.

As a general rule, Michigan schools are allowed six emergency days off a year, regardless of the circumstances that lead to a closing.

The extreme weather has also resulted in the Detroit Zoo closed for Friday and Saturday, along with some event cancellations. Other winter weather news reports can be found on our website.

CBS News Detroit's weather team has declared Friday and Saturday to be NEXT Weather Alert days because of the brutal conditions.

Our school announcement list updates automatically. Check back if you are looking for a school or district that has not yet reported.

See the list of school closures below: