With overnight temperatures in the low 20s to high teens across our borough, the New York City Department of Homeless Services issued a Code Blue as of 4 p.m. Thursday evening for shelters to open their doors to protect the homeless population across the borough.

In a statement to News 12, DHS says it will "encourage them to come inside, and provide information about warming centers, drop-in centers, shelter services, and other critical supports. As part of these efforts, DHS and our provider-partner outreach teams continue to canvas the streets and subway 24 hours a day, conducting intensified efforts throughout and ensuring that we are prioritizing the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”

While Brooklyn residents who see someone out in the cold are encouraged to call 311, the drop-in center is located at The Gathering Place, located at 2402 Atlantic Ave. (between Sackman Street and Jardine Place).

That bitter blast had commuters bundling up for warmth and stacking on the layers, looking to brave the cold.

"When it gets like this, I don't even want to leave my bed at night," said construction worker Kareem, adding, "I got four layers, that's what you got to do for this New York weather to stay warm working outside," he said.

Vendors on Eastern Parkway selling winter clothes say the cold was so bad their customers were not stopping to buy their goods.

Temperatures are expected to drop further heading into Friday.