Lake Michigan Waves Reach Near-Record Heights As Sandy Comes To Chicago (PHOTOS)

The city of Chicago is urging its residents to steer clear of the Lake Michigan shores due to the high winds and waves attributed to Superstorm Sandy. Nevertheless, a handful of curious joggers and onlookers with cameras in hand were taking in the dramatic lakeside scene Tuesday morning.

(Scroll down to view photos of the waves on Lake Michigan, taken early Tuesday. Click here for live updates on the storm.)

Portions of the lakeshore bike path between North Avenue Beach and Ohio have been closed, according to NBC Chicago, as well as outdoor attractions and the ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Wind gusts are expected up to 60 mph Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a statement early Tuesday on the near-record wave heights -- which have hit as high as 20.3 feet at the service's south Lake Michigan buoy. Waves have only hit that high at the buoy once before, on Sept. 30, 2011.

A flood warning is also in effect for Lake Michigan in Chicago through 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to ABC Chicago.

Rampant flight cancellations have also been reported at both Chicago airports -- O'Hare and Midway -- Tuesday.