Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Lake Superior and Upper Michigan Coast

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for the Lake Superior region. These alerts indicate a significant threat to maritime safety due to extreme cold and high winds.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Ontonagon to Upper Entrance of Portage Canal, MI
• Lake Superior from Saxon Harbor, WI to Upper Entrance to Portage Canal, MI (5 nautical miles offshore to the US/Canadian border)
• Isle Royale National Park

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to take immediate precautions to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on vessels. The NWS recommends the following actions:

• Remain in port if possible.
• Avoid the warning area entirely.
• Seek safe harbor or alter course to escape hazardous conditions.
• Secure vessels and conduct mitigation to prevent catastrophic ice buildup.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Accumulation rates of 2 cm per hour or greater are expected. This rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.
• Wind: West winds between 25 to 35 knots, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 8 to 13 feet are forecasted.
• Visibility: Strong winds and spray are expected to reduce visibility and may render mechanical or electronic components inoperative.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 1:00 PM Friday to 5:00 AM EST Saturday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 7:00 PM Friday to 10:00 AM EST Saturday.