Marquette, Michigan – Boaters on central Lake Superior should head for safe harbor immediately as strong thunderstorms produce hazardous winds capable of creating dangerous waves across nearshore waters through mid-morning. Conditions can deteriorate quickly, making navigation difficult for small craft.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Special Marine Warning remains in effect until 10:30 a.m. EDT Monday for portions of Lake Superior east of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette and west of a line from Grand Marais to the U.S.-Canadian border, including the waters from the Huron Islands to Marquette.
The primary threat is wind gusts exceeding 34 knots, which can generate steep, hazardous waves and rapidly changing lake conditions. While hail and waterspouts are not expected, the strong winds alone are capable of creating dangerous conditions for anyone on the water.
Mariners traveling near Big Bay, Au Train, Marquette and surrounding Lake Superior waters should seek safe harbor immediately and remain there until storms have passed. Those operating smaller boats face the greatest risk from rough water, sudden wind shifts and reduced visibility in heavy rain.
Anyone planning to fish, kayak or boat along the central Upper Peninsula shoreline should postpone activities until conditions improve. The National Weather Service may issue additional marine warnings if thunderstorms continue to strengthen or redevelop across Lake Superior later today.
