Duluth, Minnesota – Travel along Minnesota’s North Shore could become nearly impossible by late Tuesday as heavy snow, ice and 50 mph wind gusts develop.
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 face the greatest risk, where 10 to 15 inches and wind gusts up to 50 mph could trigger blizzard conditions.
Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Grand Marais may see whiteouts Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as lake-enhanced snowfall intensifies. Ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch are possible, especially near Silver Bay, increasing the risk of slick roads and tree damage.
Communities including Duluth, Hibbing, International Falls, Ely and Grand Rapids could experience hazardous conditions during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. In northwest Wisconsin, Bayfield County may pick up 4 to 9 inches, with lower totals near Superior.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and monitor updates as watches could be upgraded to warnings before Tuesday night.
