The cold spells that have plagued Chicago this month have provided city residents with a stream of uniquely beautiful weather images.
From "sun dogs" to ice caves to ice-covered shores, the city has seen a collection of picturesque frozen moments.
On Tuesday, another beautiful ice-related image came from the well-below zero temps as clear skies and a steady west wind provided perfect conditions for viewing relatively rapid ice movements on Lake Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.
The loop below, which runs from 8:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, shows the view from a webcam on Chicago's Harrison Crib.
In the beginning images, a few breaks in the ice can be seen, as well as a narrow gap along the city's shoreline, the NWS said. In later images the lake virtually opens up as warm water starts to steam. In some frames, it even appears as though someone drew a word in the snow covering the ice, though it may have been a result of the ice's movement.
"Either way, such an act would have been extremely dangerous," NWS said.
