The city's under a "code blue" warning because it's been hit with the coldest air of the season.
"It was a little surprising," said one New Yorker. "it came out of nowhere, but we're used to it, we're New Yorkers."
"It's really no way to stay warm in this," said another. "To be honest, like it's really cold no matter whether you have on a hat, scarf gloves, one way or the other."
The warning means bundle up and stay indoors, but for some it meant holiday shopping at Fulton Mall.
"When it's cold, you shop more, when it's warm, you shop less," said one holiday shopper. "You dress warm, we have on down coats, we dress warm."
"I got about an hour or two out here, just about it, and then I'm going to get two pair of gloves because it's cold!" said another.
The gusty weather prompting the NYC Emergency Management to kick into full-gear to handle any weather-related emergencies may occur because of the drastic change in weather.
"Wind is going to be a big, big issue; the Buildings Department has been out there sending a message to all construction sites to bat down the hatchets, to get their debris and all of the stuff tied down," said Office of Emergency Management Joe Esposito.
While the city advises limiting time outdoors for safety reasons, it also advises using common sense while braving the elements.
"I saw last week that it was going to be freezing this week, so I'm just keeping warm, keeping my face warm, locked away," said one.
And as a general reminder it's important to bundle up. Wear several layers to avoid a case of hypothermia and if you experience any heat-related emergencies at home call the city at 311.