Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Lake Superior and Michigan Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for specific maritime zones. The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is classified with a severity of ‘Severe’ and a certainty of ‘Likely,’ indicating a significant threat to vessel stability and operation.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and maritime zones are included in the warning:

• Manitou Island to Point Isabelle, MI
• Point Isabelle to the Lower Entrance of the Portage Canal, MI
• Portage Lake to Huron Island, MI
• Lower Entrance of the Portage Canal to Huron Islands, MI, including Keweenaw and Huron Bays
• Lake Superior West of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette, MI (beyond 5 nautical miles from shore)

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. Recommended actions include:

• Remaining in port if possible.
• Seeking safe harbor or altering course to avoid the warning area.
• Conducting mitigation efforts and securing the vessel for hazardous conditions.
• Monitoring mechanical and electronic components, which may become inoperative due to freezing spray.

Expected Conditions

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures.
• Wind: South winds of 15 to 25 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are expected to range between 4 and 7 feet.
• Impacts: Rapid ice accretion can result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability. Strong winds and hazardous waves may capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 24.
• Gale Warning: Effective from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST on Tuesday, February 24.