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Marquette, MI – Hazardous marine conditions are set to ramp up across Lake Superior late tonight, with a Gale Warning in effect 1 a.m. Wednesday–1 a.m. Thursday (EST) for broad offshore and nearshore zones from the Huron Islands and Marquette east to Whitefish Point, including waters west/east of the Manitou Island–Marquette line and offshore to the U.S./Canadian border.
What to expect:
- Winds: NW 20–30 kt with gusts up to 35–40 kt.
- Waves: Building to 8–13 ft (6–11 ft in some Keweenaw reaches; 6–9 ft near Isle Royale).
- Timing: Small Craft Advisories today (Tue) for sections of the Keweenaw/Portage Canal and western nearshore (generally 9 a.m.–1 a.m. Wed; some zones 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Wed). Gales overspread the lake after midnight and persist through Wednesday, tapering Wednesday evening/overnight west to east.
Areas/Zones:
- Huron Islands–Marquette–Munising–Grand Marais–Whitefish Point (LSZ248–251).
- Offshore blocks LSZ264–267, including waters near Isle Royale and east/west of Manitou Island.
- Keweenaw/Portage Canal nearshore (LSZ241–247) see SCA today, then gales late tonight into Wednesday.
Impacts & guidance:
- High risk of capsizing or damage for small craft; visibility reduced in spray.
- Remain in port or seek safe harbor; secure loose deck gear, check bilge pumps, and monitor weather radio/VHF.
- Commercial and tribal fishers should plan for long-period rough conditions and delayed turnarounds.
Monitor latest marine zone updates from NWS Marquette before departures.
