Duluth, Minnesota – Hazardous winter travel conditions are expected to develop across northeastern Minnesota and the Northland late this weekend as a potent clipper system brings heavy snow, followed by a second round of wintry weather early next week. The most significant impacts are expected Sunday afternoon and evening, when snowfall rates could quickly overwhelm roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, the first system arrives Sunday and continues into Sunday night, with the heaviest snowfall rates most likely during the afternoon and evening hours. A narrow band of moderate to heavy snow may produce snowfall rates near one inch per hour, particularly across parts of northeastern Minnesota. Light sleet and ice could mix in at times, especially across north-central Minnesota toward the Interstate 35 corridor, with a light glaze of ice possible Sunday evening after the snow tapers.
Snow totals vary across the region, with several inches possible from Duluth northward toward the Arrowhead, including Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais. Areas farther inland toward Hibbing and International Falls may see lighter snow but still face slick travel due to mixed precipitation.
A second system is expected to move in Monday night into Tuesday, beginning as a light wintry mix before transitioning to light snow. Confidence remains lower with this system, but it could extend travel impacts into early next week.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday afternoon and evening, allow extra stopping distance, and monitor road conditions closely. Additional advisories may be issued as snowfall bands become more defined.
