Duluth, MN – Travel across northern Minnesota could become dangerous by Tuesday evening as heavy snow, ice and 50 mph wind gusts threaten to create blizzard conditions along the North Shore.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for much of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Snow totals of 5 to 10 inches are possible inland, with 7 to 13 inches across the higher terrain of the North Shore. Southern Cook and Lake counties, including Grand Marais and Two Harbors, could see 10 to 15 inches with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch may develop, especially near Silver Bay Tuesday night.
The heaviest snowfall rates are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Strong winds may reduce visibility below a quarter mile at times along Highway 61 and across open areas near Duluth, Ely and International Falls. Tribal lands including Grand Portage, Fond du Lac and Bois Forte are included in the watch area.
In northwest Wisconsin, Bayfield and Douglas counties could pick up 3 to 9 inches, with blowing snow affecting the Wednesday and Thursday morning commutes.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, charge devices and monitor forecast updates. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as confidence increases ahead of Tuesday evening.
