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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. These alerts indicate a high risk of rapid ice accumulation on vessels and dangerous maritime conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following regions:

• Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Eagle River, MI
• Eagle River to Manitou Island, MI
• Lake Superior from the Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Manitou Island, MI (5 nautical miles offshore to the US/Canadian border)

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should alter course and secure their vessels for severe conditions. It is critical to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation, which can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability. Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous as freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: West winds between 30 to 40 knots, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights ranging from 11 to 16 feet are expected.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels.
• Impacts: Storm-force winds and hazardous waves may capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures poses a severe threat to vessel stability.

Timeline

• Storm Warning: In effect from 1:00 PM Friday to 7:00 AM EST Saturday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 7:00 PM Friday to 1:00 PM EST Saturday.