Duluth, Minnesota – Travel along the North Shore and across northern Minnesota could become nearly impossible by late Tuesday night as heavy snow and 50 mph wind gusts move in.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for much of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Forecasters say there is an 80 to 95 percent chance of more than 6 inches of snow along the North Shore, with a 50 to 90 percent chance of totals exceeding 12 inches in southern Cook and Lake counties. Winds may gust up to 50 mph near Lake Superior, creating blowing snow and potential whiteout conditions along Highway 61.
Farther inland, including Duluth, Ely, Grand Rapids and International Falls, there is a 50 to 90 percent chance of more than 6 inches, with mixed precipitation and a light glaze of ice possible Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. In Bayfield and Douglas counties, Wisconsin, snowfall could exceed 6 inches with gusts up to 35 mph.
The heaviest snow is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with lake and terrain enhancement boosting totals near the Boundary Waters and Apostle Islands. Residents should prepare for difficult commutes Wednesday and early Thursday, monitor updates and consider delaying nonessential travel as watches remain in effect.
