Storm Warning and Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Eastern Lake Superior

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the eastern portions of Lake Superior. These alerts signify an immediate threat to maritime safety due to severe wind and icing conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Grand Marais to Whitefish Point, MI
• Lake Superior east of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette, MI, and west of a line from Grand Marais, MI, to the US/Canadian border (beyond 5NM from shore)
• Lake Superior from Grand Marais, MI, to Whitefish Point, MI (5NM offshore to the US/Canadian border)

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or alter course to avoid the warning area. Those currently at sea should secure their vessels for severe conditions and prepare for dangerous ice accumulation. Mitigation efforts should be conducted immediately to prevent catastrophic loss of stability due to ice accretion.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: West winds between 30 to 40 knots, with gusts reaching up to 55 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 17 to 22 feet are expected.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is forecast at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater. This may cause rapid ice buildup on decks and superstructures, potentially rendering mechanical and electronic components inoperative and reducing visibility.

Timeline

• Storm Warning: Effective from 1:00 PM Friday until 10:00 AM EST Saturday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 10:00 PM Friday until 4:00 AM EST Sunday.