Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Ontonagon to Upper Entrance of Portage Canal MI

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high certainty of occurrence.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the area from Ontonagon to the Upper Entrance of Portage Canal, MI.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are urged to take immediate precautions. The National Weather Service recommends the following actions:

• Prepare for dangerous and rapid accumulation of ice on vessels.
• If possible, remain in port for the duration of the warning.
• Avoid the warning area entirely.
• Conduct necessary mitigation efforts if already at sea.

Expected Conditions

Heavy freezing spray is expected to occur at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This level of spray can rapidly accumulate on vessels, leading to significant hazards. Potential impacts include:

• Mechanical and electronic components becoming inoperative.
• Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures.
• A catastrophic loss of vessel stability due to the weight of the ice.

Timeline

The warning is scheduled to take effect at 7:00 AM EST on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until 1:00 AM EST on Monday, February 23, 2026.