Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Central Lake Superior Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for specific offshore areas of Lake Superior. The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is in effect from 4:00 AM EST Wednesday until 1:00 AM EST Thursday. A Gale Warning is also in effect from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST Wednesday.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Lake Superior east of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette, Michigan, and west of a line from Grand Marais, Michigan, to the U.S./Canadian border. This alert applies to areas beyond five nautical miles from the shore.

What You Should Do

Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. The National Weather Service recommends remaining in port, avoiding the warning area, or conducting mitigation. If at sea, mariners should alter plans, seek safe harbor, or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

Heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate at a rate of 2 centimeters per hour or greater, which may rapidly render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Additionally, northwest winds of 25 to 30 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots. Wave heights are expected to range between 8 and 12 feet, creating conditions that could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective Wednesday, February 25, from 1:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 4:00 AM EST Wednesday, February 25, until 1:00 AM EST Thursday, February 26.