Duluth, Minnesota – A widespread Flood Watch remains in effect across northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning, with flash flooding possible as repeated rounds of heavy rain drench already saturated ground.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, up to 3 inches of rain—or more in localized areas—is expected through early Thursday, raising concern for rivers, creeks, and flood-prone zones across St. Louis, Itasca, Cass, Pine, Crow Wing, Carlton, and Aitkin counties, as well as Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Sawyer counties in Wisconsin. Tribal lands including the Fond du Lac Band, Bois Forte Band, and Bad River Reservation are also under heightened risk.
Areas from Grand Rapids to Hayward and Duluth to Silver Bay could see water pooling on roads, with rural areas near the Boundary Waters, Madeline Island, and Voyageurs National Park vulnerable to flash flooding. Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and prepare for possible evacuation alerts.
Multiple waves of rain are forecast through Wednesday night, and with soil already saturated from recent storms, any additional downpours could trigger rapid flooding. Residents should keep phones charged, check NOAA weather radios, and secure items outdoors.
More alerts or Flash Flood Warnings may be issued as rainfall totals increase. This Flood Watch is active until 7 a.m. Thursday.
