Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Grand Marais to Whitefish Point MI

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Lake Superior coastline. This alert is part of a series of marine warnings including a Gale Warning and a Small Craft Advisory.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the marine area from Grand Marais to Whitefish Point, MI.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The National Weather Service recommends remaining in port, avoiding the warning area, or conducting mitigation efforts. Those currently at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure their vessels for hazardous conditions. Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous as freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.

Expected Conditions

Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels.

• Winds: South winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots (during Gale Warning); Northwest winds 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots (during Small Craft Advisory).
• Waves: 1 to 3 feet initially, increasing to 8 to 13 feet during the Small Craft Advisory.
• Hazards: Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds and waves may capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: In effect until 7:00 PM EST Tuesday evening.
• Small Craft Advisory: In effect from 7:00 PM Tuesday evening to 10:00 AM EST Thursday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 4:00 AM Wednesday to 1:00 AM EST Thursday.