Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Western Lake Superior Near Duluth and Silver Bay

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Duluth, MN, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning for portions of western Lake Superior. These alerts signify hazardous conditions for maritime operations due to extreme cold and high winds.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime zones:

• Silver Bay Harbor to Two Harbors, MN
• Two Harbors to Duluth, MN
• Duluth, MN to Port Wing, WI
• Port Wing to Sand Island, WI

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on their vessels. If possible, remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. Those already at sea should seek safe harbor, alter course to avoid hazardous conditions, and secure the vessel for extreme weather. Mitigation efforts should be conducted to manage ice build-up.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels.
• Wind: North winds of 25 to 35 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 40 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights between 7 to 12 feet are expected.
• Impacts: Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability. Additionally, freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative, while strong winds and waves could capsize vessels and reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 4:00 AM Sunday to 12:00 PM CDT Monday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 7:00 AM Sunday to 12:00 PM CDT Monday.