Storm Warning and Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Minnesota North Shore Waters
This alert is no longer in effect.
NOAA issued it on April 6, 2026, 4 months ago. Warnings of this kind stay in effect for hours to a few days, so this page is a historical record of what was issued, not a current warning. For conditions where you are right now, check weather.gov (US), weather.gc.ca (Canada), the Met Office (UK), or the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia).
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The National Weather Service has issued a Storm Warning and Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Minnesota North Shore, warning of 45-knot gusts and rapid ice accumulation on vessels.
Read this weather record in 30 seconds
- Record type
- Storm Warning
- Affected area
- Minnesota North Shore
- Issued
- April 6, 2026
- Issuing authority
- NWS Duluth
Storm notices can cover different combinations of wind, hail, lightning, and rainfall. Use the original notice for the hazards and boundaries attached to this specific record.
Record status: historical. It was issued 4 months ago; use the issuing agency's live warning service for current conditions in Minnesota North Shore.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Duluth, MN, has issued a Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Lake Superior. These alerts indicate severe maritime conditions that pose a significant threat to vessel safety and stability.
Affected Areas
The warnings cover the Minnesota North Shore from Grand Portage to Taconite Harbor, specifically including:
- Grand Portage to Grand Marais, MN
- Grand Marais to Taconite Harbor, MN
What You Should Do
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor. If currently at sea, alter course to avoid the warning area or take immediate mitigation steps to secure the vessel for severe conditions. Residents and mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on decks and superstructures.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: West winds between 20 to 30 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
- Waves: Significant wave heights of 3 to 6 feet are forecast.
- Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate at a rate of 2 centimeters per hour or greater.
- Hazards: Storm-force winds and hazardous waves may capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility. Rapid ice accretion can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability and render mechanical or electronic components inoperative.
Timeline
- Storm Warning: In effect from 12:00 PM Friday to 12:00 AM CST Friday night.
- Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 6:00 PM Friday to 4:00 AM CST Saturday.
Original source: NOAA Official Notice ↗
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