Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Southern Lake Michigan

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for the southern third of the open waters of Lake Michigan. The alert was issued early Sunday morning as hazardous maritime conditions develop across the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the southern third of Lake Michigan, specifically including:

• Lake Michigan from Michigan City, IN to St. Joseph, MI (5 NM offshore to mid-lake)
• Lake Michigan from North Point Light to Wind Point, WI
• Lake Michigan from Wind Point, WI to Winthrop Harbor, IL
• Lake Michigan from Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor, IL
• Lake Michigan from Wilmette Harbor to Michigan City, IN
• Lake Michigan from Holland to Grand Haven, MI
• Lake Michigan from South Haven to Holland, MI
• Lake Michigan from St. Joseph to South Haven, MI

Expected Conditions

Mariners should prepare for extreme conditions on the open water:

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.
• Wind: West winds between 25 to 35 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 45 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 15 to 20 feet are expected.

The NWS warns that heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures, potentially leading to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability. Additionally, freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Strong winds and hazardous waves could capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service advises mariners to take the following precautions:

• If possible, remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately.
• Avoid the warning area entirely.
• If already at sea, conduct mitigation efforts and secure the vessel for severe conditions.
• Alter course to avoid the most hazardous conditions.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 3:00 AM Sunday, March 15, until 7:00 AM CDT Tuesday, March 17.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 4:00 AM Monday, March 16, until 11:00 AM CDT Tuesday, March 17.