Duluth, Minnesota – Residents across Northeast Minnesota, including the Twin Ports area, face a combination of weather threats beginning Monday night and extending into Tuesday, including potential flash flooding, severe storms, and lingering unhealthy air quality.
According to the US National Weather Service Duluth Minnesota, heavy rainfall could bring one to two inches of rain to many areas from Monday night through Tuesday night, with localized amounts reaching up to 3.5 inches in northeast Minnesota. This heavy rain could lead to localized flash flooding, especially in urban areas with poor drainage.
A marginal risk (Level 1/5) for isolated strong to severe storms is also present for Monday night and again Tuesday afternoon and evening. The primary threats from these storms are large hail, up to one-half inch in diameter, and damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour. Communities like Duluth, Superior, and Ashland should prepare for these conditions.
Compounding these weather concerns, reduced air quality from lingering smoke will continue through Monday morning. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advises that unhealthy air quality impacts are expected, with a gradual improvement into the afternoon. Residents will likely see and smell smoke, with the worst conditions tonight and Monday morning. Air Quality Alerts are currently in effect and could be expanded.
Motorists should avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy rain to prevent encountering flooded roadways. Residents should also charge electronic devices in case of power outages due to storms and prepare for reduced visibility from smoke. Warnings for heavy rain and severe storms remain in effect through Tuesday.
