PHOTOS: Subzero Temperatures Promote Stunning Ice Formations on Great Lakes

By Jillian MacMath, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

February 18,2015; 9:57PM,EST

 

 

Frigid weather has blasted the Midwest and Northeast over the past few weeks, transforming the Great Lakes into a scene reminiscent of the Arctic.
The ice extent over the Great Lakes in total this year is at 82.3 percent, rivaling last year's coverage and nearing the all-time record of 94.7 percent.
Photos of the lakes have made waves on social media, as very low temperatures paired with powerful winds have created impressive natural ice and snow formations.
Another push of Arctic air will settle over the Great Lakes Thursday. Lows will plummet Thursday night, challenging long-held records, according to AccuWeather.com Expert Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
"Records to beat in some areas date back to the early 1900s and late 1800s," he said.
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(Photo/Paul May)
(Photo/Joshua Nowicki)
(Photo/Joshua Nowicki)
(Photo/Joshua Nowicki)
(Photo/Joshua Nowicki)
(Photo/Joshua Nowicki)