International Falls, Minnesota – Snow-covered roads are quickly deteriorating across northern Minnesota this Saturday afternoon, with several highways turning slick as steady snowfall continues through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Koochiching and North Itasca counties until 10 p.m. Saturday, with an additional 2 to 5 inches expected. Farther east, including Ely, Isabella, Grand Marais, and Two Harbors, warnings stretch until 1 a.m. Sunday, with up to 5 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 35 mph along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Travel is becoming hazardous on routes including U.S. Highway 53 near International Falls and Highway 1 near Ely, where snow-covered pavement and reduced visibility are likely. In the Arrowhead region, gusty winds near Silver Bay and Grand Marais could create brief blowing snow, further lowering visibility for drivers along Highway 61.
Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters are also under the warning, where snowfall may impact backcountry travel and access roads into Saturday night.
Drivers are urged to delay non-essential trips and check 511mn.org for real-time road conditions. Keep emergency supplies in vehicles, including food, water, and flashlights.
Snow will taper late tonight, but slick roads and reduced visibility may linger into early Sunday. Additional advisories could be issued if conditions worsen.
