Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Outer Apostle Islands

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Duluth, MN, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for maritime regions near the Apostle Islands. These alerts signify severe conditions that could lead to rapid ice accumulation and hazardous navigation for vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning is specifically in effect for the Outer Apostle Islands beyond 5 nautical miles (NM) from the mainland.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends that mariners remain in port, seek safe harbor, or avoid the warning area entirely. If at sea, mariners should alter course, secure the vessel for hazardous conditions, and conduct mitigation to manage ice buildup.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This can lead to rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures, which may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.
• Wind: West winds of 20 to 25 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 40 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are forecast to reach between 5 and 8 feet.
• Equipment Impacts: Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative, while strong winds and waves may reduce visibility and damage vessels.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from noon Friday, February 27, until midnight CST Friday night.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6:00 PM Friday, February 27, until 4:00 AM CST Saturday, February 28.