Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Lake Huron Waters Through Tuesday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac MI has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (UPW) for portions of Lake Huron. This alert is issued when conditions are favorable for rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which can pose a significant threat to maritime safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Lake Huron from 5NM east of Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Light, extending to the US/Canadian border beyond 5 NM from shore.
• Lake Huron from Presque Isle Light to Sturgeon Point, MI, from 5NM offshore to the US/Canadian border.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice 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 the most hazardous conditions, and ensure vessels are properly secured. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of stability.

Expected Conditions

• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater.
• Wind: Sustained northwest winds up to 36 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 41 knots.
• Waves: Significant waves are expected to reach 15 feet, with potential maximum wave heights of up to 22 feet.
• Visibility: Strong winds and spray may significantly reduce visibility for mariners.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective from 2:00 PM EDT Monday, March 16, until 5:00 PM EDT Tuesday, March 17. Peak wind speeds are expected around 11:00 PM EDT Monday, while the largest waves are anticipated to occur around 3:00 AM EDT Tuesday. A concurrent Gale Warning remains in effect until 11:00 AM EDT Tuesday.