BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Gloves, hats and scarves are definitely in order as a cold snap continues to linger over our area. A Code Blue Alert is now in effect, and some people are living without heat.

Kai Jackson has more on the cold weather.

The frigid temperatures have created dangerous conditions, caused weather-related problems and is prompting warnings from officials.

The Code Blue Alert remains in effect until Sunday evening as temperatures continue to dip below freezing. The alert is typically activated when the temperature, including wind chill, drops below 14 degrees.

Maryland is right in the middle of a deep winter freeze and preparing for snow. It’s illustrated by the sheets of ice on the Back River in Baltimore County.

Photo Gallery: Cold Weather Hits Maryland

“The more exposed one is, the more heat you lose in these cold temperatures,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, Baltimore City Health Department.

The Code Blue means that emergency shelters will have extended hours for those in need, like the homeless or those who have a home but don’t have heat.

Heating and cooling companies are working overtime for those left in the cold. Companies say the service calls have been nonstop.

“We’ve been pretty busy lately with all the no heat calls lately and such. A lot of commercial jobs are down and a lot of residential houses are without heat,” said heating & cooling specialist Russ Brautigan.

In Baltimore, a water main break sent thousands of gallons into the street and forced traffic to be diverted. The weather is believed to be a factor in the break.

The city is also preparing for a forecast of snow.

“We will be deploying our crews at midnight tonight. About 30 pieces of equipment will be working in all sectors, basically focusing on those overpasses and bridges which tend to freeze,” said Adrienne Barnes, Department of Transportation.

More Weather Information: Latest Forecast | Video Forecast

Temperatures in the area are not expected to rise much above 30 degrees until Monday.

There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for parts of Maryland through 9 a.m. Thursday.