Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Lake Michigan Nearshore Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a series of marine alerts for the Lake Michigan nearshore waters, including a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, a Gale Warning, and a Small Craft Advisory. These alerts indicate significant hazards for maritime operations due to high winds, large waves, and rapid ice accumulation.

Affected Areas

The warning area covers the nearshore waters from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Specific zones include:

• Sheboygan to Port Washington, WI
• Port Washington to North Point Light, WI
• North Point Light to Wind Point, WI
• Wind Point, WI to Winthrop Harbor, IL

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. Those currently at sea should avoid the warning area, alter course, or conduct mitigation efforts to secure the vessel for severe conditions. Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous as freezing spray can render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and cause a catastrophic loss of stability due to ice weight.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on decks and superstructures.
• Wind: East winds of 25 to 35 kt are expected Sunday morning, shifting to north winds of 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt from Sunday night through Monday night.
• Waves: Wave heights are forecast between 4 and 7 feet.
• Visibility: Strong winds and spray are expected to reduce visibility and create conditions capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

Timeline

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 4:00 AM CDT Sunday morning.
• Gale Warning: In effect from 4:00 AM Sunday morning until 1:00 AM CDT Tuesday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 4:00 AM Monday until 11:00 AM CDT Tuesday.