Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Lake Superior Coastal Waters Near Marquette

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Small Craft Advisory for several coastal zones. The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is classified as a severe alert, indicating a likely threat to maritime safety.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions in Michigan are affected:

• Manitou Island to Point Isabelle
• Point Isabelle to the Lower Entrance of Portage Canal
• Portage Lake to Huron Island
• Keweenaw and Huron Bays
• Huron Islands to Marquette

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area, or conduct mitigation efforts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these hazardous conditions to prevent accidents.

Expected Conditions

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels.
• Wind: West winds between 15 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights of 1 to 4 feet are occurring.
• Hazards: Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous. Freezing spray can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative, and rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.

Timeline

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