Duluth, Minnesota – Roads across northern Minnesota could become slick and flood-prone within hours Monday evening as a surge of storms targets the Northland during peak travel times.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, the highest storm risk builds between 5 p.m. Monday and 1 a.m. Tuesday, with rainfall chances climbing as high as 85%, especially across northwest Wisconsin and areas south of the Iron Range. A warm front pushing into the region will fuel strong to severe thunderstorms late in the day.
Storms may produce hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and wind gusts strong enough to down tree limbs and power lines. The greatest severe risk stretches along and south of a Hinckley–Spooner–Phillips line, while Duluth and surrounding communities could still see isolated severe cells. Drivers along Interstate 35 and Highway 53 should prepare for sudden downpours and reduced visibility during the evening commute.
Localized flooding is the main overnight concern, especially in low-lying areas and poor drainage zones. Residents are urged to avoid water-covered roads, charge devices in case of outages, and monitor alerts as conditions evolve quickly.
The storm threat tapers after 1 a.m. Tuesday, but additional advisories could be issued as rainfall totals become clearer.
