High Wind — Central St. Louis, Minnesota

2021-08-12 · Central St. Louis, Minnesota

Event narrative

Two men went canoeing on Sand Lake near Britt, Minnesota, during the afternoon of the 12th. Strong west-northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 25 to 30 mph generated waves on Sand Lake that began to flood the canoe. Both men tried to swim for shore and one made it to an island and was rescued. The other man did not reach land and is presumed to have drowned as they were not wearing life jackets. Rescuers continued to search for the man's body into the weekend.

Wider weather episode

Two friends were canoeing on Sand Lake near Britt, Minnesota, on the afternoon of the 12th. Strong northwesterly winds in the wake of a cold front led to waves flooding their canoe. The two men attempted to swim to shore and one was able to reach a small island. The second man didn't reach shore and is presumed to have drowned. Neither man was wearing a life jacket.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 965893. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.