21 Absolutely Chilling Scenes From the Polar Vortex Sweeping the Midwest

Bone-chillingly cold weather gripped the Midwest on Jan. 30, as a so-called "polar vortex" [1] 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 six deaths have been reported so far [2]. 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 below.

The Streets of Chicago Were Deserted During the Usual Morning Rush Hour

The Chicago River Was Covered in Chunks of Ice

A Boat Had to Break Up Said Chunks

Lake Michigan Was Eerily Foggy

Snow and Ice Formations Surrounded the Lake

Just Looking at This Photo of Lake Michigan Has Us Shivering

People Started Throwing Water in the Air to See How Fast It'd Freeze

People Did It With Pots of Boiling Water, Too

They Did the Same With Hot Coffee, Too

This Happened . . .

People Bundled Up to Brave the Cold

Some Chicagoans Even Jogged Outside (Making Sure to Cover Their Faces, of Course)

Trees Froze Over, Making For Quite the Interesting Photo Op

Doorknobs Froze . . . From the Inside of People's Homes

Windows Froze From Inside, Too

And Glass Doors, as Well

Yikes!

People Started Freezing Their Clothes, For Whatever Reasons

People Started Freezing Their Pants, For Whatever Reasons

They Wet Their Clothes on a Flat Surface and Then Stuck Them in Snow Once They Froze

Here's Another Chilling Look at Lake Michigan

People Resorted to Some Interesting Insulation Techniques

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