DULUTH, Minn. — Snow squalls could briefly create whiteout conditions and a flash freeze on roads Friday afternoon into mid-evening across parts of northern Minnesota and the North Shore, according to the National Weather Service in Duluth.
In a Wednesday update, the weather service said a strong cold front moving through Friday may be followed by strong northwest winds and rapidly falling temperatures, creating conditions favorable for quick-hitting snow squalls during the afternoon and evening. The most likely area for squalls is along and north of a line from Grand Rapids to Two Harbors, the agency said.
Forecasters warned that any snow squall could produce brief periods of visibility down to 1/4 mile or less, along with light accumulations of snow. More importantly for drivers, the weather service said a flash freeze on roadways is possible as temperatures “quickly plummet” behind the front, which can turn wet pavement icy in a short time.
The Duluth office noted that the combination of blowing snow, sudden visibility drops and rapidly changing road conditions can lead to hazardous travel, even when overall snow totals are minor. Squalls are typically short-lived, but they can create dangerous conditions over a small area with little lead time.
Drivers are urged to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions Friday, especially on open stretches of highway and near the Lake Superior shoreline where wind can reduce visibility further. If a snow squall hits, the safest actions are to slow down, increase following distance, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking. Officials also advise checking road conditions before travel and allowing extra time for afternoon and early-evening trips.
The weather service said the squall threat is tied to the cold front’s passage and will be monitored closely as timing and placement become clearer.
