Heavy Freezing Spray and Storm Warnings Issued for Western Lake Superior

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Marquette, MI, has issued a series of marine alerts, including a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, a Storm Warning, and a Gale Warning. These alerts cover significant portions of western Lake Superior and adjacent coastal waters due to expected severe winter marine conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning area encompasses the following regions:

• Saxon Harbor, WI to Black River, MI
• Black River to Ontonagon, MI
• Ontonagon to the Upper Entrance of the Portage Canal, MI
• Lake Superior from Saxon Harbor to the Upper Entrance of the Portage Canal, extending 5 nautical miles offshore to the US/Canadian border, including Isle Royale National Park.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or avoid the warning area entirely. For those already at sea, immediate action should be taken to alter course or secure vessels for severe conditions. Residents and operators should prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on decks and superstructures, which can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability. Freezing spray may also render mechanical and electronic components inoperative.

Expected Conditions

• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.
• Winds: North winds between 35 to 45 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 55 knots during the Storm Warning period.
• Waves: Significant wave heights between 18 and 23 feet are anticipated. Earlier Gale Warning conditions include waves of 13 to 18 feet.
• Hazards: Storm force winds and hazardous waves may capsize or damage vessels and will significantly reduce visibility.

Timeline

• Gale Warning: Effective from 8:00 AM EDT Sunday to 8:00 PM EDT Sunday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective from 2:00 PM EDT Sunday through 2:00 PM EDT Tuesday.
• Storm Warning: Effective from 8:00 PM EDT Sunday to 2:00 PM EDT Monday.