Spectacular photographs show the moment Niagara Falls FROZE in polar vortex

The record-breaking chill across the U.S. and Canada was so frigid it literally stopped Niagara Falls in its tracks

Tuesday was a day of record-setting cold in Niagara, with the mercury bottoming out at a chilling -2F. Combined with the wind chills, it felt like -20F

Thankfully, the freezing air and 'polar vortex' that turned the cascading water to ice will depart during the second half of this week, and a far-reaching January thaw will begin


The record-breaking chill across the U.S. and Canada was so frigid it literally stopped Niagara Falls in its tracks.

A collection of spectacular photographs have shown the moment the U.S. side of the famous falls froze before they could reach the bottom.



Thankfully, the freezing air and 'polar vortex' that turned the cascading water to ice - and affected about 240 million people in the U.S. and southern Canada - will depart during the second half of this week, and a far-reaching January thaw will begin, according to AccuWeather.com.

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The U.S. side of the Niagara Falls is pictured in Ontario Wednesday January 8, 2014

A collection of spectacular photographs have shown the moment the U.S. side of the famous falls froze before they could reach the bottom

Thankfully, the freezing air and 'polar vortex' that turned the cascading water to ice will depart during the second half of this week, and a far-reaching January thaw will begin, according to AccuWeather.com

In the incredible pictures, the Rainbow Bridge is seen with solid ice below it

They also show frozen mist coating the landscape around Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park

But the record-breaking temperature didn't deter visitors

Tourists still visited the landmark to take pictures overlooking the falls in Ontario