This subtropical city's fabled beaches, normally thronging with sun worshippers this time of year, were all but deserted after temperatures plummeted to around zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

Homeless people, at risk from prolonged exposure to the cold, took to area shelters for the night on Sunday.

The temperature fell even lower in northern Florida, where Orlando and surrounding areas registered temperatures of minus six degrees Celsius (21 degrees Fahrenheit).

Forecasters said the cold snap -- the worst to hit Florida since January 2001 -- could bring even colder temperatures later in the week.

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