Bronx residents dressed warmly Friday in anticipation for a bout of bitter cold weather slated to grip the borough.

Merchants along Fordham Road were already hawking gloves, scarves and other warm winter clothing Friday afternoon. News 12 The Bronx even let one cold family warm up in the company car.

Officials with the city Office of Emergency Management say residents should wear multiple layers and warm winter coats during the freeze – and stay indoors as much as possible.

They say residents should only go out when they need to until the weather warms up. They also recommend checking on neighbors, especially senior citizens, to make sure they are safe. Anyone whose heat is broken should call 311.The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning from 6 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday as temperatures were expected to plummet into the low 20s overnight.

Saturday is expected to have highs in the mid-30s to low-40s.