Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Lake Superior Near Grand Marais and Whitefish Point

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for portions of Lake Superior. This alert indicates that conditions are favorable for significant ice accumulation on vessels due to freezing spray.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Grand Marais to Whitefish Point, MI
• Lake Superior from Grand Marais to Whitefish Point, MI, extending 5 nautical miles offshore to the U.S./Canadian border.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. Recommended actions include:

• Remaining in port if possible.
• Avoiding the warning area entirely.
• Conducting necessary mitigation measures to manage ice buildup.

Expected Conditions

Heavy freezing spray is expected to occur at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This spray may rapidly accumulate on vessels, creating hazardous operating conditions. Specific risks include:

• Mechanical and Electronic Failure: Freezing spray can render critical components inoperative.
• Stability Risks: Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to take effect at 4:00 PM EST on Sunday, February 22, and will remain in effect until 1:00 AM EST on Monday, February 23.