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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a series of maritime alerts, including a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning. These alerts indicate hazardous conditions for mariners on Lake Superior due to rapid ice accumulation and strong winds.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime zones in Michigan:

• Marquette to Munising MI
• Munising to Grand Marais MI

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare for a dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or avoid the warning area. Those already at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course, or conduct mitigation efforts to secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can result in a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is occurring and expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This may cause mechanical and electronic components to become inoperative.
• Wind: For the Gale Warning, south winds of 15 to 25 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
• Waves: Current waves are between 3 to 6 feet, with waves of 1 to 4 feet expected during the Gale Warning period.
• Visibility: Strong winds and spray may significantly reduce visibility and create conditions capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (Current): In effect until 7:00 PM EST this evening.
• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 9:00 PM EST this evening.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (Second): Effective from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST Tuesday.
• Gale Warning: Effective from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST Tuesday.