Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Western Lake Superior Through Wednesday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for portions of Lake Superior. The warning is in effect from 10:00 PM EST (9:00 PM CST) this evening until 7:00 AM EST (6:00 AM CST) Wednesday.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Lake Superior west of a line extending from Saxon Harbor, Wisconsin, to Grand Portage, Minnesota, specifically for areas beyond 5 nautical miles (5NM) from shore.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. If transit is necessary, 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 spray may rapidly accumulate on vessels, creating hazardous operating conditions.

Timeline

• Onset: 10:00 PM EST / 9:00 PM CST, Tuesday, February 24, 2026
• Expiration: 7:00 AM EST / 6:00 AM CST, Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Potential Impacts

Operating a vessel under these conditions is extremely hazardous. Freezing spray can cause mechanical and electronic components to become inoperative. Furthermore, rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.