PHOTOS: Shelf ice forms on Lake Michigan amid cold snap

CHICAGO - Temperatures have been running colder than normal for more than a week in the Chicago area. With the frigid nights and cold days, ice has been quickly developing on inland lakes and on Lake Michigan.

During the winter months, it is common to see ice developing on the Great Lakes. In the last few weeks, shelf ice has begun developing near the shoreline along parts of Lake Michigan.

Shelf ice forms when currents and waves carry floating ice to the shoreline, and if temperatures are cold enough, the ice will begin to crash together, stack up, and then grow over time.

During the winter months, and especially after a recent snowfall, it is difficult to determine where the shoreline or beach ends and where ice begins. It is important to always view shelf ice from solid ground.

While shelf ice appears solid and very thick, it is almost always full of cracks, crevices, and even holes. The weakened areas of ice may be hidden, and the ice can easily collapse. Because of this, it is never safe to step or walk on shelf ice.