Strong Wind — Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

2021-03-28 · Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Strong winds and high waves on Lake Winnebago resulted in a canoe capsizing during the evening of March 29th. The canoe was located about one mile north of the city of Fond du Lac and the Fond du Lac river outlet, on Lake Winnebago. Two young male canoeists, neither wearing a personal flotation device, fell into the cold lake water and drowned. The Lake Winnebago water temperature was estimated to be 42 degrees F. Winds were gusting as high as 40 knots near the time of the event, and waves on the southern end of Lake Winnebago were estimated to be 4 to 5 feet. The victims were located several days later on March 31st and April 1st. Strong and gusty south winds had been occurring over the lake and vicinity since late morning.

Wider weather episode

Strong winds, high waves and cold water on Lake Winnebago, located just north of the city of Fond du Lac, contributed to a canoe capsizing, leading to two direct deaths. Neither victim was wearing a personal flotation device. Winds were gusting as high as 45 to 50 mph near the time of the event, and waves on Lake Winnebago were estimated to be 4 to 5 feet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 941485. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.