A thick fog blanket is currently covering Lake Superior, reducing visibility and causing disruptions for both commercial and recreational boaters. The National Weather Service has issued multiple dense fog advisories for Michigan waters, which will be in effect through Tuesday morning.
Impact of Fog Over Lake Superior
The dense fog is expected to lower visibility to less than one nautical mile in many areas of Lake Superior. This includes waters from Saxon Harbor, Wisconsin, to Whitefish Point, Michigan.
The fog also covers maritime routes, such as the Upper Entrance of the Portage Canal, Isle Royale National Park, and the waters between Grand Marais and Marquette. The advisory began on Monday and will last until 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, with a separate advisory for the waters west of Saxon Harbor set to expire at 8 p.m. EDT Monday.
Risks and Hazards for Mariners
The dense fog is causing significant visibility issues for boaters, both nearshore and offshore. Boaters and maritime professionals are being advised to take extra precautions when navigating the affected areas.
Mariners are encouraged to use radar and compass navigation to maintain safety. It’s also crucial to keep all running lights on and sound proper fog signals to avoid accidents.
This fog creates serious risks for both commercial and recreational boaters, as it hampers navigation and can make boat traffic dangerous. Fishing activities and local traffic across the central and eastern sectors of Lake Superior may also be disrupted.
Advisories for Minnesota Coastal Waters
In addition to the Michigan advisories, dense fog warnings are also in effect for Minnesota’s coastal waters, including Grand Marais and Taconite Harbor.
These advisories will remain active until 7 p.m. CDT. Mariners should stay informed of the latest weather updates to ensure their safety.
Improvement Expected on Tuesday Morning
Conditions over Lake Superior are expected to improve after daybreak on Tuesday as weather patterns shift. However, boaters are advised to monitor National Weather Service updates and, if possible, delay travel until visibility improves.
The fog situation highlights the importance of staying informed about weather conditions and prioritizing safety when navigating these hazardous waters.
