Superior, Wisconsin – Overnight travel across far northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota could quickly become impossible as heavy snow and powerful winds trigger blizzard conditions early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Blizzard Warning begins at 1 a.m. Sunday for parts of northwest Wisconsin and Pine County in Minnesota. Snowfall totals between 6 and 13 inches are expected around Pine City, Hinckley, and Superior, while stronger lake-enhanced bands could drop 10 to 18 inches across southern Burnett and Washburn counties. Winds may gust to 40 mph, producing widespread blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Conditions will become even more severe closer to Lake Superior. Ashland and Iron counties could see between 15 and 30 inches of snow with wind gusts reaching 45 mph through Monday afternoon. Communities including Ashland, Hurley, Bayfield, Phillips, and Hayward may experience near-zero visibility as heavy snowfall combines with strong winds.
Major travel routes such as U.S. Highway 2, Wisconsin Highway 13, and Highway 63 are likely to experience drifting snow and sudden whiteouts overnight into the Monday morning commute.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel as road conditions may quickly deteriorate. Strong winds combined with heavy snow could also bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Blizzard conditions are expected to continue across much of northern Wisconsin through Monday morning and early afternoon. Travelers can monitor road conditions by dialing 511 in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
