Duluth, MN – Sudden snow squalls could drop visibility to near zero in seconds along the North Shore and near the Canadian border before sunset Friday, creating dangerous travel on US-53 and MN-61 during the evening drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a cold front sweeping across northern Minnesota will trigger intense, fast-moving snow showers through late afternoon and early evening. The strongest squalls are expected across far northeastern Minnesota, including areas near International Falls, Grand Marais and Grand Portage. The threat will diminish significantly after sunset.
While snowfall totals will remain light, brief bursts could quickly coat highways and produce whiteout conditions. Wind gusts may accompany the squalls, blowing snow across roadways and sharply reducing visibility along elevated stretches of I-35 near Duluth and along US-61 hugging the Lake Superior shoreline.
Drivers traveling toward the Boundary Waters or along the Arrowhead region should prepare for rapid changes in conditions within minutes. Even a quick half-inch of snow falling at high intensity can create spinouts and chain-reaction crashes.
Motorists are urged to slow down immediately if visibility drops, use low-beam headlights and avoid sudden braking. If caught in a squall, delay travel if possible until conditions improve.
Snow squall potential will taper by early evening, but colder air settling in behind the front could leave isolated slick spots overnight. Additional statements may be issued if bands intensify before sunset Friday.
