Duluth, Minnesota – A widespread stretch of freezing drizzle and light snow is creating dangerous travel conditions across the Northland Tuesday night, with slick roads expected to persist into early Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Duluth and Grand Forks, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 3 a.m. Wednesday for much of northern and central Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, and portions of eastern North Dakota. Freezing drizzle is expected to coat roads, bridges, and overpasses with a thin glaze of ice that may be difficult to detect, especially overnight.
In Minnesota, hazardous conditions are expected from Duluth and Hibbing south through Brainerd, Pine City, and Aitkin, as well as across the Iron Range and Boundary Waters region. In Wisconsin, icy roads are likely in Douglas, Bayfield, Sawyer, and Washburn counties, including Superior, Hayward, Spooner, and areas near the Apostle Islands. Drivers across Fargo, Grand Forks, Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, and Fergus Falls could also encounter slick conditions.
Meanwhile, the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan faces a separate hazard. According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, lake-effect snow will continue in Ontonagon and northern Houghton counties through Wednesday morning, with 2 to 6 inches expected and localized totals near 9 inches southwest of Houghton along M-26.
Officials urge drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and use extreme caution, particularly on untreated roads. Conditions are expected to gradually improve after daybreak Wednesday, though lingering slick spots and snow-covered roads may continue to impact the morning commute.
