Duluth, Minn. – Steady rain drenched northern Minnesota on Independence Day, with more than 3 inches falling in parts of Cass, Itasca, and Koochiching counties, raising concerns about localized flooding and waterlogged roads into Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, the highest totals through 9 a.m. Friday were recorded in Boy River (3.09″), Deer River (3.02″), and Big Falls (3.16″). Rainfall exceeded 2 inches across several other areas, including Pine City, Winton, and Aurora. Moderate rain is expected to continue across northwest Wisconsin through the rest of the day, especially near Ashland and Bayfield.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 2 and Minnesota Highways 6 and 38 may encounter standing water, especially in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roadways, monitor local alerts, and ensure sump pumps are working properly. With saturated ground in place, even light additional rain could trigger nuisance flooding or drainage backups in urban areas like Duluth and Superior.
Rain chances taper off later tonight, but a few lingering showers may persist into Sunday morning. More advisories could be issued if rainfall intensifies or drainage issues worsen.
