Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Lake Michigan Shoreline from St. Joseph to Manistee

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline. These alerts indicate a high probability of hazardous maritime conditions that could impact vessel stability and safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters of Lake Michigan from St. Joseph to Manistee, specifically including:

• St. Joseph to South Haven, MI
• South Haven to Holland, MI
• Holland to Grand Haven, MI
• Grand Haven to Whitehall, MI
• Whitehall to Pentwater, MI
• Pentwater to Manistee, MI

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to take the following precautions:

• Remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately.
• Avoid the warning area if possible.
• Prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on vessels.
• Conduct mitigation efforts or secure vessels for hazardous conditions including high winds and waves.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Northwest winds between 25 to 35 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 12 to 17 feet are forecasted.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of up to one inch per hour. This may cause rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures, potentially leading to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability and rendering electronic or mechanical components inoperative.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 8:00 AM Sunday, March 15, until 5:00 AM EDT Tuesday, March 17.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 8:00 AM Monday, March 16, until 12:00 PM EDT Tuesday, March 17.