Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Manitou Island to Point Isabelle MI

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the region. This alert is issued alongside a Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Watch, indicating significant maritime hazards. The warning is classified under the NWS alert code UPW.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the maritime zone from Manitou Island to Point Isabelle, MI.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course, or conduct mitigation efforts. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability. Additionally, mariners should secure vessels for severe wind and waves that could capsize or damage craft and reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Accumulation rates of 2 cm per hour or greater are expected, which may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.
• Wind: North winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots are possible during the Gale Watch period. Currently, northwest winds are around 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots.
• Waves: Wave heights are expected to reach 5 to 8 feet during the Gale Watch, following current waves of 2 to 4 feet.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 1:00 PM EST Sunday, February 22, until 1:00 AM EST Monday, February 23.
• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 7:00 AM EST Saturday morning, February 21.
• Gale Watch: In effect from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.