Duluth, Minnesota – Slippery roads are developing across northeastern Minnesota early Saturday as a mix of snow and freezing rain coats highways and bridges before the early morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. CST Saturday for portions of the Northland, including Pine, Carlton, southern St. Louis, southern Cook, and southern Lake counties. The system could bring up to 1 inch of additional snow along with a light glaze of ice, enough to create hazardous travel conditions.
Cities including Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Pine City, Hinckley, and Grand Marais are within the advisory zone. Even minor ice accumulation can make elevated surfaces especially slick, including bridges along Interstate 35 near Duluth and Highway 61 along the North Shore.
Transportation officials urge drivers to reduce speed and leave extra stopping distance during the early morning hours. Conditions can change quickly when freezing precipitation develops, particularly on untreated rural roads and shaded stretches of highway.
Residents heading outside should also watch for icy sidewalks, steps, and parking lots.
The wintry mix is expected to taper off near sunrise, though slick spots could linger into the early morning hours. Travelers should check Minnesota 511 road reports before heading out, and additional advisories may follow if conditions worsen.
