Duluth, Minnesota – Snow will intensify across northeastern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin by midafternoon Thursday, creating hazardous travel conditions that could disrupt both the evening commute and Friday morning drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and remain in place until 1 p.m. Friday for communities including Duluth, Superior, Hibbing, Ely, International Falls, Ashland, and Bayfield. Snow totals between 4 and 9 inches are expected across much of the region, while higher terrain along Minnesota’s North Shore could see between 6 and 14 inches.
Snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour Thursday afternoon and evening, especially near Lake Superior. Strong winds gusting up to 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel difficult along highways such as U.S. 53, U.S. 2, and Highway 61.
The warning also includes major outdoor destinations like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where heavy snow and strong winds may limit access.
In Price County, Wisconsin, including Phillips, another Winter Storm Warning begins at 7 p.m. Thursday with 4 to 6 inches of snow expected and wind gusts near 45 mph.
Officials urge residents to limit travel if possible and carry emergency supplies in vehicles. Snow and blowing snow are expected to continue through Friday afternoon before conditions gradually improve.
