Grand Rapids, Minnesota – Drivers across northern Minnesota have less than 36 hours to prepare before a powerful winter system moves in Tuesday evening, threatening to coat highways in up to 0.1 inches of ice and bury parts of the region under 7 inches of snow by Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for Koochiching, Itasca, Cass, northern Aitkin and northern St. Louis counties. Forecasters expect a mix of snow and freezing rain, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph, creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The greatest icing threat targets areas along and south of the Iron Range Tuesday night into early Wednesday, including Grand Rapids, Hill City and Bigfork. MN-169, Highway 2 and rural county roads could turn slick before the Wednesday morning commute. In International Falls and Ely, heavier snow may dominate, increasing plow demand and slowing traffic near Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters western area.
Minnesota DOT officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel. If you must drive, carry blankets, water, jumper cables and a shovel in case you become stranded. Gusty winds could also stress power lines, especially where ice accumulates.
Conditions may deteriorate rapidly after sunset Tuesday, with the most disruptive travel likely Wednesday morning and evening. Additional advisories or warnings could be issued as confidence in snow and ice totals increases.
