Duluth, Minn. – Snow and strong winds are rapidly worsening travel across northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin early Friday, with accumulating snowfall and blowing snow expected to create hazardous conditions through midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for a large portion of the region including Koochiching, St. Louis, Cook, Lake, and Itasca counties in Minnesota, along with Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Price counties in Wisconsin.
Additional snowfall of 3 to 8 inches is expected across much of the area, while northern Bayfield County could receive 6 to 9 inches. Higher elevations along Minnesota’s North Shore may see 6 to 10 inches before the storm tapers later Friday.
Communities including International Falls, Ely, Hibbing, Superior, Ashland, Bayfield, and Phillips could see snow-covered roads and sharply reduced visibility as wind gusts reach up to 40 mph. The combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall is expected to create blowing snow and sudden visibility drops during the Friday morning commute.
Travel through scenic but remote areas such as Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters, and the Apostle Islands region may become especially difficult as snowfall rates intensify.
Transportation officials advise drivers to carry emergency supplies including food, water, and flashlights if travel cannot be delayed. Motorists can check the latest road conditions through Minnesota 511 or Wisconsin 511 systems before heading out.
The heaviest snowfall and strongest winds are expected to ease after 1 p.m. Friday, though snow-covered roads may continue to affect travel into the afternoon.
