Duluth, MN – Travel along Minnesota’s North Shore could become impossible by late Tuesday night as up to 18 inches of snow and 60 mph wind gusts trigger whiteout conditions through midday Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect for Southern Lake and Southern Cook counties from 9 p.m. Tuesday until noon Thursday. The warning includes Grand Marais, Two Harbors, Silver Bay and the Tribal Lands of the Grand Portage Reservation.
Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches, with the heaviest snowfall rates developing Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday morning. Strong easterly winds gusting to 60 mph will blow and drift snow, creating near-zero visibility at times.
Highway 61 along the North Shore faces the highest risk for whiteouts and potential closures. The combination of heavy snow and powerful winds may down tree limbs and power lines, leading to sporadic outages across Lake and Cook counties.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel unless it is an emergency. If travel becomes unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if stranded. Motorists can check 511 or visit 511mn.org for real-time road conditions.
Blizzard conditions will persist through Thursday noon, and additional advisories remain possible as the storm intensifies.
