TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Cold weather shelters filled up Wednesday as the demand to stay warm was higher than normal. Tampa Bay doctors said it’s critical to find a place to stay warm as the risk of hypothermia increases.

Joseph Rapp and dozens of other people waited in line for the cold weather shelter at Hyde Park United Methodist Church to open Wednesday.

“I’m bundled up and all that, but it still blows right through you,” Rapp said.

People covered their heads in blankets and wore layers to go against the chilly winds.

Roger Morrison was so cold he hopped out of line and went to the library — a common place people go to get out of the weather.

“It was so cold out there I just came over here to warm up,” Morrison said. “This weather is biting cold; it’s a cold that hits the bones for me at my age.”

The cold presents health risks that Doctor Eric Shamas says many people in Florida may be oblivious to. Especially those who don’t have a house or heat.

“We’re not use to, and we’re not equipped to the low temperatures that we’re having with this cold front that’s coming through, so I think there is a real risk that people will be affected by hypothermia,” Shamas said. “Hypothermia, like many medical conditions, it exists on a spectrum. Anything from very, very mild cases to very severe cases. Make no mistake, hypothermia, when it gets to moderate or severe stage, is life threatening.”

He said a person can recognize that they’re experiencing hypothermia if they stop shivering, their mental status changes, they become confused, or their vital signs change. But he said the real danger is when you don’t realize you’ve drifted into these situations.

Shamas said the best thing you can do is find a warm place to go.

Hyde Park UMC reached capacity shortly after it opened, and the county started busing people to another location in Plant City.

The people seeking shelter said they are grateful for the county’s efforts but are looking forward to the end of winter.

“I’m ready for some sunshine you know,” said Joseph Bryce.

For information on shelters, click here.