Storm Warning and Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Lake Michigan Shoreline from Grand Haven to Manistee

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI, has issued a Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Lake Michigan shoreline. These alerts indicate severe maritime conditions that pose a significant threat to vessel safety and stability.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following coastal regions in Michigan:

• Grand Haven to Whitehall
• Whitehall to Pentwater
• Pentwater to Manistee

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to remain in port, alter course to avoid the warning area, or take immediate action to secure vessels for severe conditions. Residents and boaters should prepare for dangerous ice accumulation on vessels. If possible, conduct mitigation efforts before the onset of the heaviest spray.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Northwest winds between 35 to 45 knots are expected, with gusts reaching up to 50 knots.
• Waves: Significant wave heights of 13 to 18 feet are forecast.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate at a rate of up to one inch per hour. This rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability and may render mechanical or electronic components inoperative.
• Visibility: Storm force winds and hazardous waves are expected to significantly reduce visibility and create conditions capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

Timeline

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