ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The top story in Rochester, and most of the eastern seaboard of the United States, continues to be the major storm stretching from Maine to Florida.

Locally, wind chills could drop temperatures to more than 20 degrees below zero.

As a result, Rochester Salvation Army reports its four shelters are at near capacity.

At American Medical Response, paramedics are getting ready to handle cold weather calls. First responders say it's crucial for people to limit their outdoor activities.

"Probably twenty minutes in this weather and it doesn't take long where they start to feel their toes tingling or their fingers feeling numb and when you start to feel that, it's time to go in," said LaShay Harris, Public Information Officer for American Medical Response.

Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo says the office of emergency management has been monitoring the weather patterns.

Most schools throughout the region are closed Friday, and so are many businesses, churches and other organizations. Click here for a comprehnsive list of local closures.

The Rochester City School District closed all their facilities Friday, but district officials say meals will be served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the David Gantt Center and centers located at Schools 3, 12, 17, 19, and 33. A list of participating school locations is available at www.rcsdk12.org.