Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Eagle River to Manitou Island MI

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. This alert is issued alongside an active Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Watch for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the maritime area from Eagle River to Manitou Island, Michigan.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare for dangerous accumulations of ice on their vessels. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area, or conduct necessary mitigation. Those currently at sea should consider altering plans to avoid hazardous conditions, seek safe harbor, and secure their vessels for severe winds and high waves.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures.
• Wind: North winds of 20 to 30 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 35 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are forecast to reach between 8 and 11 feet.
• Impacts: Operating a vessel in these conditions is extremely hazardous. Ice accretion can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and may lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.

Timeline

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 4 PM EST today.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 1 AM Sunday, February 22, until 1 AM EST Monday, February 23.
• Gale Watch: Effective from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.