High Surf — Berrien, Michigan

2011-10-15 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Strong northwest winds caused rough waters along southeastern Lake Michigan. Three teenagers were kayaking inside a New Buffalo break wall when they capsized as a result of waves of at least 8 to 10 feet just offshore and over 14 feet onshore. Two of the teens were recovered by local officials, but the third, an 18 year old male, could not be rescued. His body eventually came to shore about 12 miles southwest of where he went underwater. The condition of the other teens that were rescued was never provided.

Wider weather episode

Strong northwest winds caused rough waters along southeastern Lake Michigan. Three teenagers were kayaking inside a New Buffalo break-wall when they capsized as a result of waves of at least 8 to 10 feet just offshore and over 14 feet onshore. Two of the teens were recovered by local officials, but the third could not be rescued. His body eventually came to shore about 12 miles southwest of where he went underwater.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 348591. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.