Ashland, Wisconsin – Travel across far northern Wisconsin is turning dangerous fast as heavy snow and 45 mph wind gusts drive whiteout conditions from the South Shore to the Northwoods, with the worst impacts expected to stretch into the Monday commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Monday for Ashland and Iron counties, including Ashland, Hurley, Madeline Island, the Bad River Reservation and tribal lands in the northwestern Lac du Flambeau area. Forecasters say those counties could pick up another 15 to 25 inches of snow, with slightly lower totals of 14 to 19 inches in northern Ashland County.
The storm reaches well beyond Ashland. Bayfield, Sawyer and Price counties remain under a blizzard warning until 7 a.m. Monday, with 13 to 21 inches possible and lower totals in northern Bayfield County. Douglas, Burnett and Washburn counties, along with Pine County in Minnesota, remain under blizzard warnings until 4 a.m. Monday with 6 to 13 inches and gusts up to 40 mph.
Roads may become impassable at times as blowing snow slashes visibility and drifting covers highways. Drivers should avoid non-essential travel, check 511WI before heading out and keep blankets, chargers, food and water in the vehicle in case conditions worsen overnight. More road restrictions and local disruptions remain possible through Monday afternoon.
