Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Upper Michigan Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for specific coastal waters of Lake Superior. These alerts signify hazardous conditions for marine travel due to high winds and rapid ice accumulation on vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions in Michigan:

• Point Isabelle to the Lower Entrance of the Portage Canal
• Lower Entrance of the Portage Canal to Huron Islands
• Keweenaw and Huron Bays

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to take immediate precautions to ensure safety:

• Prepare for Ice: Anticipate dangerous accumulation of ice on vessels.
• Seek Harbor: If possible, remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately.
• Mitigation: If at sea, alter course to avoid the warning area and secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.
• Equipment Safety: Be aware that freezing spray can render electronic and mechanical components inoperative.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: West winds are expected to range between 25 to 35 knots, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
• Ice Accretion: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This rapid accumulation can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.
• Visibility: Strong winds and spray are expected to reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions for navigation.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 1:00 PM Friday to 7:00 AM EST Saturday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 10:00 PM Friday to 4:00 PM EST Saturday.