A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect across portions of northeast Minnesota as a brief period of freezing rain overnight is expected to create slick and hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a cluster of showers will move across the Arrowhead region late Friday night into early Saturday, producing freezing rain with ice accumulations up to 0.05 inches. While amounts are light, even a thin glaze of ice can significantly reduce traction on untreated surfaces.
Counties included in the advisory are Koochiching, North Itasca, Central and North St. Louis, Cook, and Lake, including communities such as International Falls, Ely, Hibbing, Bigfork, Isabella, and Grand Marais. The advisory also covers Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Tribal Lands including the Grand Portage Reservation and areas of the Bois Forte Band, such as Nett Lake and Lake Vermilion.
The advisory remains in effect until 5 a.m. CST Saturday. Forecasters warn that bridges, overpasses, and sidewalks are most likely to become slick, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution, particularly during late-night and early-morning travel. Residents should also be prepared for the possibility of isolated power issues where ice briefly accumulates.
Road conditions across Minnesota can be checked by calling 511 or visiting 511mn.org.
