Midwest Polar Vortex 2019 Pictures and Videos
These Scenes From the Midwest Polar Vortex Will Chill You to the Bone
Image Source: Getty / Scott Olson
Bone-chillingly cold weather gripped the Midwest on Jan. 30, as a so-called "polar vortex" caused temperatures to plummet far below the zero-degree mark. The arctic blast led many schools and businesses to close across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and eight deaths have been reported so far. People in the affected states are sharing photos and videos on social media as they experience the dangerously frigid weather — see some of the most awe-inspiring scenes ahead.
The Streets of Chicago Were Deserted During the Usual Morning Rush Hour
Lake Michigan Was Eerily Foggy
Image Source: Getty / JOSHUA LOTT
Snow and Ice Formations Surrounded the Lake
Image Source: Getty / JOSHUA LOTT
The Chicago River Was Covered in Chunks of Ice
Image Source: Getty / Scott Olson
A Boat Had to Break Up Said Chunks
Image Source: Getty / Scott Olson
People Started Throwing Water in the Air to See How Fast It'd Freeze
People Did It With Pots of Boiling Water, Too
The Photos Are Seriously Mesmerizing
Some Did the Same With Hot Coffee, Too
. . . and Water Guns
This Happened . . .
People Bundled Up to Brave the Cold
Image Source: Getty / STEPHEN MATUREN
Some Chicagoans Even Jogged Outside (Making Sure to Cover Their Faces, of Course)
Image Source: Getty / Scott Olson
Trees Froze Over, Making For Quite the Interesting Photo Op
Just Looking at This Photo of Lake Michigan Has Us Shivering
Photographers Suited Up to Snap Sunrise Pictures
Image Source: Getty / Scott Olson
