Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Lake Superior Near Saxon Harbor and Ontonagon
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Lake Superior coastal waters from Saxon Harbor, WI, to Ontonagon, MI, effective through Monday afternoon.
Alert Details
A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI. The alert is currently in effect and will remain active until Monday afternoon.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following maritime zones:
- Saxon Harbor, WI to Black River, MI
- Black River to Ontonagon, MI
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to take immediate precautions to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends that, if possible, vessels should remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should conduct mitigation efforts to manage ice buildup.
Expected Conditions
Heavy freezing spray is expected to occur at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This intense spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels. Such conditions are extremely hazardous as freezing spray can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Furthermore, rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.
Timeline
The warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 1:00 PM EST (noon CST) on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice