Duluth, MN – Road conditions across northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin could rapidly deteriorate by late Friday as a stronger round of snow and ice moves in, threatening travel through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Storm Watch begins Friday afternoon and continues through late Saturday night across much of the Northland . Snow totals between 5 and 10 inches are expected inland, including International Falls, Ely, and Grand Rapids, while areas near Duluth may see 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet along with up to 0.2 inches of ice.
In northwest Wisconsin, including Ashland and Bayfield counties, ice accumulation could reach up to 0.4 inches, increasing the risk of tree damage and scattered power outages. Winds gusting up to 35 mph will further reduce visibility and create blowing snow.
Major routes such as I-35, U.S. 53, and Highway 2 could become slick and hazardous by the Friday evening commute, with conditions worsening overnight into Saturday.
Drivers should avoid non-essential travel, monitor 511 for road updates, and prepare for potential outages. Hazardous conditions will persist into Saturday night, with additional warnings likely as the storm intensifies.
