Brooklyn endures arctic blast

Bitterly cold temperatures undermined clear and sunny skies across Brooklyn Monday.
The mercury hovered around the low to mid-teens. Strong wind gusts made it feel like 10 degrees below zero. The wind caused people to run for shelter, layer up and sip hot drinks to keep warm.
However, not everyone bundled up. Two Coney Island polar bear divers chose one of the coldest days of the year to take an icy plunge.
"It's indescribable," said one diver. "It's a great feeling, all your endorphins."This time of year can be especially problematic for the homeless. The city is urging anyone who sees homeless people to call the city's free 311 information line. Homeless advocates will come to the site, evaluate the situation and work to provide temporary shelter.
The strong winds also toppled cinder blocks Sunday in Bay Ridge. The incident occurred at Leading Edge Radiation Oncology on Fifth Avenue. Meanwhile, powerful winds ripped scaffolding from a Midwood building.
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