Heavy Freezing Spray and Storm Warnings Issued for Lake Superior Near Grand Portage and Taconite Harbor

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth, MN, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. These alerts signify hazardous conditions for maritime operations due to severe wind and rapid ice accumulation.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior, specifically from Grand Portage to Taconite Harbor, including the following zones:

• Grand Portage to Grand Marais, MN
• Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor, MN

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends that mariners remain in port, avoid the warning area entirely, or conduct immediate mitigation efforts. Vessels should be secured for severe conditions, and courses should be altered to avoid the most hazardous zones.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: West winds of 20 to 30 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are forecast between 3 and 6 feet.
• Ice Accumulation: 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, potentially causing a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.
• Additional Hazards: Storm-force winds and hazardous waves may capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility. Mechanical and electronic components may become inoperative due to ice.

Timeline

• Storm Warning: Effective from noon Friday to midnight CST Friday night.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6 PM Friday to 4 AM CST Saturday.