Heavy Freezing Spray and Storm Warnings Issued for Lake Michigan Coast from Grand Haven to Manistee

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Storm Warning for the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. These alerts indicate a severe threat to maritime safety with likely certainty, issued by the NWS Grand Rapids office.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters of Lake Michigan from Grand Haven to Manistee, specifically including the following zones:

• Grand Haven to Whitehall, MI
• Whitehall to Pentwater, MI
• Pentwater to Manistee, MI

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor immediately. If currently at sea, mariners should alter course and secure the vessel for severe conditions. Prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on decks and superstructures. Operating a vessel in these conditions is hazardous, as freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative and lead to a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northwest winds between 35 to 45 knots, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 13 to 18 feet are expected.
• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of up to one inch per hour, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels.
• Visibility: Storm-force winds and hazardous waves will reduce visibility and create conditions capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

Timeline

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