Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and Gale Watch Issued for Lake Superior and Michigan Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Watch for portions of Lake Superior and surrounding coastal waters. The alert indicates a high risk of rapid ice accumulation on vessels due to freezing spray and hazardous maritime conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Point Isabelle to Lower Entrance of Portage Canal, MI
• Portage Lake to Huron Island, MI, including Keweenaw and Huron Bays
• Lake Superior West of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette, MI (beyond 5NM from shore)

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate precautions. The NWS recommends that mariners prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, vessels should remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure their vessels for severe wind and waves. Freezing spray can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and lead to a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.
• Wind: North winds of 20 to 30 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are expected to range between 6 and 11 feet.
• Hazards: Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures, reduced visibility, and hazardous waves that could capsize or damage vessels.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 1:00 PM Sunday until 1:00 AM EST Monday.
• Gale Watch: Effective from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.