Heavy freezing spray watch

A Heavy Freezing Spray Watch is issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when there is an increased risk of a heavy spray event that meets the necessary criteria, but the occurrence, timing, and/or location are still uncertain. A watch will be issued when forecasters expect freezing water droplets to be able to accumulate on sea vessels at rates of 2 cm per hour or greater. This accumulation must be caused by an "appropriate combination of cold water, wind, cold air temperature, and vessel movement."[1]

See also

References
  1. National Weather Service. "Heavy Freezing Spray Watch". Glossary - National Weather Service. Retrieved 1 June 2011.

Example:

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY... ...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Watch, which is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.

  • WINDS...South 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 35-knot gales early
 Saturday. Winds veer west to 30 knots by midday Saturday with
 gusts up to 40-knot gales continuing through early Sunday
 morning.
  • WAVES...Waves build to 8 to 14 feet occasionally 18 feet on
 Saturday and persist into Sunday morning.
  • FREEZING SPRAY...Ice may rapidly accumulate on decks and
 superstructures which could result in a loss of vessel
 stability.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

A Heavy Freezing Spray Watch is issued when the risk of heavy freezing spray has significantly increased...but the specific timing and/or location is still uncertain. It is intended to provide additional lead time for mariners who may wish to consider altering their plans.

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