Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Lake Superior Near Upper Michigan
NWS Marquette has issued warnings for heavy freezing spray and gale-force winds on Lake Superior, effective Tuesday morning, posing significant risks to maritime stability and safety.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for portions of Lake Superior. These alerts indicate hazardous maritime conditions that could impact vessel stability and navigation.
Affected Areas
The warnings cover the following geographic regions:
- Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Eagle River, MI
- Eagle River to Manitou Island, MI
- Lake Superior from the Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island, MI (5NM offshore to the US/Canadian Border)
What You Should Do
Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or seek safe harbor. Those already at sea should avoid the warning area, alter course, and secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is considered hazardous as it may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.
Expected Conditions
- Freezing Spray: Heavy accumulation at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater is expected. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.
- Winds: South winds between 20 to 30 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
- Waves: Significant wave heights of 7 to 10 feet are anticipated, which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Timeline
- Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST, Tuesday, February 24.
- Gale Warning: In effect from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST, Tuesday, February 24.
Source: NOAA Official Notice