Heavy Freezing Spray Warning
Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued December 17 at 7:09PM CST until December 19 at 4:00AM CST by NWS Duluth MN
Alert Description
* WHAT...For the Small Craft Advisory, southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 1 to 4 ft. For the Gale Warning, northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and waves 6 to 9 ft expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Duluth MN to Port Wing WI, Port Wing to Sand Island WI and Sand Island to Bayfield WI. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 2 PM CST Thursday. For the Gale Warning, from 2 PM Thursday to 4 AM CST Friday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, from 6 PM Thursday to 4 AM CST Friday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Safety Instructions
Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.