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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning. This alert is issued when heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate rapidly on vessels, posing a significant hazard to maritime operations.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the maritime region from the Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Eagle River, MI.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessels. The NWS recommends remaining in port, avoiding the warning area, or conducting immediate mitigation. Mariners should consider altering plans to seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure vessels for severe wind and waves to prevent catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Accumulation rates of 2 cm per hour or greater are expected.
• Wind: Northwest winds around 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt are currently occurring. Conditions are expected to deteriorate with north winds increasing to 25–30 kt and gusts reaching up to 35 kt.
• Waves: Current waves of 3 to 5 feet are expected to build significantly, with heights of 7 to 11 feet possible during the Gale Watch period.
• Impacts: Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a loss of stability. Freezing spray may also render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.

Timeline

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 4 PM EST Saturday afternoon.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 1 AM Sunday to 1 AM EST Monday.
• Gale Watch: Effective from Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.