Duluth, MN – The Northland is digging out today after a powerful winter storm delivered widespread heavy snowfall across northern Minnesota, with several counties reporting one to two feet of accumulation. The heaviest total came from Iron County, which recorded an impressive 32.3 inches over a 48-hour period, according to the National Weather Service in Duluth.
According to NWS observers, some lingering light snow showers remain behind the departing system, but the bulk of the storm has moved on, allowing crews to continue cleanup across the region. Snowfall analysis released Thursday morning shows a large swath of 18–24 inches stretching from Ashland to Mellen, while surrounding zones reported totals in the 12–18 inch range, including Hayward, Moose Lake, and Hinckley.
Additional heavy pockets of 8–12 inches were recorded from Cloquet to Duluth, Sandstone, and portions of Lake and Cook Counties, with lighter but still significant amounts of 4–6 inches and 6–10 inches farther west toward Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Walker, and Aitkin.
Official county reports released Thursday include:
• Aitkin County: 9.1″ (McGregor)
• Carlton County: 10.3″
• Cook County: 9.0″
• Lake County: 7.2″
• Pine County: 10.2″
• St. Louis County: 10.7″
• Bayfield County (WI): 20.2″
• Ashland County (WI): 11.6″
• Iron County (WI): 32.3″
The storm caused difficult travel throughout Wednesday and early Thursday, especially in areas impacted by the deepest snowfall bands. Road crews continue clearing rural and secondary roads, which may remain snow-covered or slick into the evening.
Temperatures will remain cold behind the system, and forecasters say occasional light snow showers may continue but will not add significantly to totals.
