Heavy Freezing Spray and Storm Warnings Issued for Northern Lake Michigan

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan WI has issued a series of marine alerts for the open waters of Lake Michigan, including a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (NWS Code: UPW), a Storm Warning, and a Gale Warning. These alerts indicate a high probability of severe conditions that pose a significant threat to maritime safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the northern two-thirds of the open waters of Lake Michigan. Specific regions include:

• Lake Michigan from Seul Choix Point to Rock Island Passage
• Waters from Charlevoix to Point Betsie MI
• Waters from Point Betsie to Manistee MI
• Waters from Rock Island Passage to Sturgeon Bay WI
• Waters from Sturgeon Bay to Sheboygan WI
• Waters from Sheboygan to North Point Light WI
• Waters from Pentwater to Grand Haven MI

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. If currently at sea, conduct immediate mitigation and prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on the vessel. Secure all equipment for severe conditions and alter course to seek safety. Rapid ice accretion can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.

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: North winds of 30 to 40 knots are expected during the Storm Warning, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots. Gale conditions will see east winds of 25 to 35 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights are forecast between 16 and 21 feet during the Storm Warning, and 7 to 12 feet during the Gale Warning.
• Visibility: Very strong winds and heavy spray are expected to significantly reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 3:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT Sunday.
• Storm Warning: Effective from 7:00 PM Sunday to 10:00 PM CDT Monday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 4:00 AM Monday to 11:00 AM CDT Tuesday.