Duluth, Minn. – Roads across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin could become dangerous overnight as torrential rains threaten flash flooding through Thursday morning. Commuters in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Ashland, and Brainerd are urged to stay alert for water over roadways and rapidly rising creeks by daybreak Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a flood watch remains in effect for a wide swath of counties—including Pine, St. Louis, Carlton, Cass, and Itasca in Minnesota, plus Bayfield, Douglas, Ashland, Sawyer, and Washburn in Wisconsin. The alert stretches from the Mille Lacs Band and Bois Forte tribal lands to the Apostle Islands, Madeline Island, and the Boundary Waters, with multiple rounds of heavy rain possible until 7 a.m. Thursday.
Rainfall could quickly overwhelm already saturated soils from recent storms, raising the risk of flash flooding along highways like I-35, Highway 2, and rural county roads. Tribal lands and national parks—including Voyageurs and Apostle Islands—are especially vulnerable to runoff and trail washouts. Local officials advise residents to avoid low-lying areas, keep emergency kits handy, and never drive through standing water.
Stay tuned for updates as new flood warnings may be issued overnight. The flood watch remains active until Thursday morning, with additional advisories possible if rainfall persists.
