Duluth, Minnesota – Light snow and ice are expected across northern Minnesota and parts of northwest Wisconsin through Friday morning, with the most notable travel impacts developing overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a first round of light mixed precipitation moved out of the region early Thursday morning. After a lull during the day, a second round of light snow and wintry mix is expected to arrive tonight and continue into Friday morning across the Northland.
Additional snow accumulations are forecast to remain under one inch for most locations in northern Minnesota, including areas near major corridors such as U.S. Highway 2, Minnesota Highway 210, and Minnesota Highway 371. However, parts of northwest Wisconsin—particularly within the snowbelt—could see between 1 and 3 inches of snow, with locally higher totals possible in northern Iron County.
In addition to snow, a light glaze of ice from freezing drizzle is possible across much of the region. Ice amounts are expected to be minor, generally a few hundredths of an inch, but even small accumulations could lead to slick roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. The National Weather Service notes the most likely impacts from ice accumulation will be tonight in areas stretching from Leech Lake to Brainerd Lake, affecting travel along routes such as U.S. Highway 169 and nearby county roads.
Some locations may see little to no ice, while others could experience brief periods of light accumulation that make untreated surfaces slippery. Conditions may be especially challenging during overnight and early morning travel on Friday.
Drivers are urged to use caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra time when traveling late tonight or Friday morning. The light but widespread nature of the precipitation means impacts may vary significantly over short distances.
