LANSING, MI -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency late Monday night as the state prepared sub-zero temperatures.

“Keeping Michiganders safe during this stretch of dangerously cold temperatures is our priority,” Whitmer said in a press release.

“Such widespread, extreme conditions have not occurred in Michigan for many years and it is imperative that we are proactive with record-low temperatures being predicted by the National Weather Service. Wind chills are predicted as low as 50 degrees below zero in many places, such as metro Detroit which is especially unaccustomed to these temps.”

The state is poised to experience record-breaking cold this week, with temperatures in much of the lower peninsula staying below zero on Wednesday.

Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Dimondale at the Michigan State Police headquarters, which coordinates response efforts by state and local agencies. According to the Michigan State Police, during a state of emergency this center operates as the primary point of control for organizing response and recovery activities.

She encouraged residents who need assistance or guidance during the cold weather to call 211.