Duluth, Minnesota – Light to moderate snow continues to move southeast across northeast Minnesota and the northwest Wisconsin snowbelt early Thursday, creating hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service office in Duluth, snowfall rates may occasionally increase overnight, leading to quick reductions in visibility to below one-half mile in heavier snow showers. Through 6 a.m., additional accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible in affected areas.
Travel impacts are expected along major corridors including Interstate 35, Interstate 535, U.S. Highway 53, Minnesota Highway 61, and Wisconsin Highway 35. Snow-covered and slushy road conditions have already been reported in some locations, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces.
Radar imagery early Thursday showed bands of snow pushing southeastward through the Arrowhead region into northwest Wisconsin. The National Weather Service warned that drivers may encounter rapidly changing conditions, with visibility dropping quickly in heavier snow bands before improving again within short distances.
Road cameras near Grand Portage and along the Stony River corridor showed snow-covered pavement during the early morning hours. While snowfall totals are not expected to be extreme, the timing may affect the morning commute, especially for drivers traveling before sunrise.
Motorists are advised to slow down, allow extra following distance, and use headlights when visibility is reduced. Sudden braking and lane changes should be avoided on slushy surfaces.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Thursday morning as snowfall tapers from northwest to southeast. No winter storm warnings were in effect at the time of the update, but travel impacts may persist until road crews are able to clear snow-covered surfaces.
Commuters, students, and early-morning workers should plan for extra travel time and monitor local road conditions.
