New Jersey is in the middle of a deep freeze as temperatures drop to below average around the state.

Wind gusts were expected to approach 40 mph Thursday, making temperatures feel well below zero. The strong winds led to some delays at Newark Liberty International Airport and disrupted other flights.

Light snow fell over a portion of the state early Thursday, but the sun came out by the afternoon.

Temperatures Thursday night into Friday morning are expected to feel as if they are well below zero due to the wind chill.

Many towns across the state opened warming centers for the homeless and others who are unable to get out of the cold. Some towns said they were prepared to keep the centers open overnight if conditions worsen.

When temperature become this cold, health experts urge people to stay indoors and dress in layers if being outside is necessary. Skin should be covered as much as possible to prevent frostbite.

Although temperatures were the coldest they've been since February, many New Jerseyans say that they do not mind and that they still have to be able to go about their day.

Many were taking care of their last-minute holiday shopping all over the state, and hundreds of people showed up for the second day of ski season at Mountain Creek in Vernon.