Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Minnesota North Shore Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth, MN, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Small Craft Advisory for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. The warning is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high likelihood of occurrence.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the following regions along the Minnesota North Shore:

• Grand Portage to Grand Marais, MN
• Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor, MN

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. The NWS recommends the following actions:

• Remain in port if possible.
• Avoid navigating within the warning area.
• Conduct mitigation efforts if already at sea.
• Operators of smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these hazardous conditions.

Expected Conditions

Heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This rapid ice accretion can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and may result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.

In addition to the freezing spray, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect. Conditions include:

• Winds: West winds between 15 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights between 5 to 8 feet.

Timeline

• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST on Tuesday, February 24.
• Small Craft Advisory: Effective from midnight tonight through 12:00 PM CST on Wednesday, February 25.