Duluth, Minnesota – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late Friday afternoon across northern Minnesota, bringing the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and localized flash flooding, especially in the Brainerd Lakes to Arrowhead region.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, storms may begin forming late Friday and expand into northwest Wisconsin by evening, with the heaviest rain and severe weather risk persisting through early Saturday. A Level 1 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place for much of the region, with high-impact periods centered around Friday night.
Communities like Hibbing, Duluth, Ely, and International Falls face a 60–70% chance of over an inch of rainfall between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is projected from the Iron Range into the Arrowhead, where saturated ground could quickly lead to flash flooding. A 35% chance of over 2 inches of rainfall in these areas increases the concern for flooded roads and low-lying areas.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, avoid travel during heavy rainfall, and ensure cell phones are charged in case of power outages. Flooding in flood-prone roads and rural areas is possible during peak rainfall hours.
Additional storm activity may return Saturday afternoon, with updates expected Friday morning.
