LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an order declaring a state of emergency in Michigan ahead of dangerous subzero weather.

Whitmer announced the order Monday night, saying it will help address threats to public health and safety due to this week’s cold snap.

Whitmer also activated the State Emergency Operations Center at the Michigan State Police headquarters. The center coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government during disasters or emergencies.

Hundreds of schools and several large universities closed their campuses today as temperatures plummeted across the Midwest, with forecasters warning the frigid weather will get worse and could be life-threatening.

A number of schools in lower Michigan were closed today, including in Detroit.