Storm Warning Issued for Nearshore Waters from Sheboygan to Winthrop Harbor

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a Storm Warning for the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. This alert is issued alongside a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning as severe marine conditions develop in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the nearshore waters from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Specific geographic zones include:

• Sheboygan to Port Washington, WI
• Port Washington to North Point Light, WI
• North Point Light to Wind Point, WI
• Wind Point, WI to Winthrop Harbor, IL

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port, alter course, or secure their vessels for severe conditions. Preparation for dangerous ice accumulation is essential. If possible, avoid the warning area entirely or conduct immediate mitigation to prevent ice-related hazards. Very strong winds and hazardous waves could capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: North winds of 30 to 35 knots with gusts reaching up to 50 knots during the Storm Warning. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 knots with gusts to 40 knots are expected during the subsequent Gale Warning.
• Waves: Significant wave heights between 11 and 16 feet are expected during the peak of the storm, subsiding to 7 to 12 feet during the gale period.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater, which may rapidly accumulate on vessels and render mechanical or electronic components inoperative.
• Impacts: Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability.

Timeline

• Storm Warning: In effect until 9:00 AM CDT Monday.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: In effect from 4:00 AM Monday until 11:00 AM CDT Tuesday.
• Gale Warning: In effect from 9:00 AM Monday until 1:00 AM CDT Tuesday.