The Latest: Storm closing schools, government offices early

Heavy snowfall is forcing the closure of schools and offices in parts of Michigan.

About a dozen school districts north of Detroit and in the Jackson area already have cancelled classes and after-school activities Thursday due to the storm.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has closed many state government offices due to a winter storm that could bring 8-12 inches of snow.

The state also will keep open bottled water and filter distribution sites in Flint, which is under a state of emergency because of a lead-contaminated water supply.

Snyder is urging residents to be aware of potential carbon monoxide poisoning while using generators in the event of a power outage.

A generator hooked up to a propane tank in the basement of a Fenton Township, Michigan, home is believed to be responsible for the carbon monoxide death of a couple and their four children.

Many Indiana school districts have canceled classes as a powerful storm threatens to dump up to 18 inches of snow on parts of the state.

Twin Lakes School Corp. Superintendent Tom Fletcher says he was already worried about forecasts of 6 to 8 inches of snow and higher amounts in White County, but the blizzard warning made it clear that he should cancel classes for the district's 2,300 students.

Along the western portion of the state, winds off Lake Michigan were expected to create waves building to 11 feet by Wednesday night.

A winter storm moving across the Midwest has dumped several inches of snow on the St. Louis metropolitan area, left thousands without power and caused many school districts to cancel classes.

The National Weather Service issued winter weather warnings Wednesday for an area stretching from Missouri northeast through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, with blizzard warnings for counties in eastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana.

The city is facing a crisis with lead-tainted water and officials urged residents to make sure they have enough filters, cartridges and bottled water on hand.

The National Weather Service early Wednesday had blizzard warnings in effect for northwest Indiana and winter storm warnings issued for areas including Crawfordsville, Kokomo and Logansport.

Forecasters warned of hazardous driving conditions, citing strong winds gusting up to 50 mph and locally heavy snowfall.