Heavy Freezing Spray and Storm Warnings Issued for Lake Superior Near Grand Marais and Whitefish Point

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Storm Warning for portions of Lake Superior. These alerts indicate severe maritime hazards including extreme wind, high waves, and rapid ice accretion on vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Grand Marais to Whitefish Point, MI.
• Lake Superior East of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette, MI, and West of a line from Grand Marais, MI, to the US/Canadian Border beyond 5 nautical miles from shore.
• Lake Superior from Grand Marais, MI, to Whitefish Point, MI, from 5 nautical miles offshore to the US/Canadian border.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends remaining in port, avoiding the warning area, or conducting immediate mitigation. Mariners currently at sea should alter course and secure their vessels for severe conditions to prevent catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: West winds between 30 to 40 knots, with gusts reaching up to 55 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights between 17 and 22 feet are expected.
• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is forecast at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures, potentially rendering mechanical and electronic components inoperative.
• Visibility: Storm-force winds and hazardous waves are expected to reduce visibility and create conditions capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

Timeline

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