This forum will be used to alert you of official warnings issued by the national weather service for the BWCA. (Please note that this forum SHOULD NOT be used for making decisions on when to take cover from storms, etc.) Thanks!

7/13/2021:
The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for the BWCA.

Smoke from Ontario wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups in northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters.

If you have lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, or other conditions aggravated by smoke or poor air quality, consider taking precautions to protect yourself, especially when camping or traveling in the BWCA.

7/21/2021:

The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert Through 6 AM Thursday for the far Western BWCA.


Smoke from Ontario wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups in northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters.


If you have lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, or other conditions aggravated by smoke or poor air quality, consider taking precautions to protect yourself, especially when camping or traveling in the BWCA.

7/23/2021:
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for the BWCA

...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT THE BOUNDARY WATERS
CANOE AREA WILDERNESS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT...

Strong to severe thunderstorms will affect the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness this afternoon and tonight. The storms will
be capable of erratic and gusty winds of 30 to 70 mph, hail up to
half-dollar size, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and locally
heavy rainfall, which may lead to localized minor flooding of
creeks, streams, and low-lying areas.

Campers should take extra precautions in order to secure
campsites and make a plan in case of severe weather. Check
campsites for possible hazards, including standing dead trees or
limbs, as well as low spots where water can pool. Move tents away
from creeks and rivers in case of flash flooding. Prepare to
protect yourself from large hail using sleeping bags or other
padded Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates and possible
warnings.

7/23/2021:

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the far north-western tip of the BWCA:

"Until 530 PM CDT.

* At 428 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Rainy Lake West, to 6 miles south of
International Falls, to near Littlefork, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Severe thunderstorms will be near...
Voyageurs National Park around 435 PM CDT.
Rainy Lake West around 440 PM CDT.
Rainy Lake East around 445 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of these severe thunderstorms include
Kabetogama and Kabetogama Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building."

7/23/2021:

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the BWCA

Now is the time to take cover. When a warning is issued, you may not have enough time to seek shelter. Stay safe.

7/23/2021:
The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Western BWCA

"...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT
FOR EAST CENTRAL KOOCHICHING AND NORTHWESTERN ST. LOUIS COUNTIES...

At 453 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 8 miles north of Kabetogama Lake, to near Kabetogama,
to 8 miles southeast of Littlefork, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Kabetogama, Rainy Lake East and Kabetogama Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
."

7/23/2021:

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the BWCA:

"* Until 730 PM CDT.

* At 627 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness northwest of
Ely, to 11 miles northwest of Burntside Lake, to near Lake
Vermilion, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Severe thunderstorms will be near...
Burntside Lake around 645 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of these severe thunderstorms include
Ely, Winton, Robinson, White Iron Lake, Fall Lake, Basswood Lake,
Snowbank Lake, Birch Lake, Babbitt, Forest Center and Little Saganaga
Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Large hail, damaging winds, and continuous cloud-to-ground lightning
is occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning
is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."

Prayers for those caught in this one. Looks bad...