WISCONSIN — Residents of northern and central Minnesota, as well as parts of northern Wisconsin, are under multiple winter storm warnings as a potent system is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds beginning Tuesday. Officials are urging travelers to prepare for hazardous road conditions and potential travel delays.
Northern Minnesota and Central Minnesota
The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a winter storm warning for Crow Wing, Aitkin, Cass, and Itasca Counties in Minnesota, including the cities of Pine River, Brainerd, Walker, Hill City, Bigfork, Aitkin, and Grand Rapids.
The warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday to noon Wednesday. Total snow accumulations are expected to range from 5 to 7 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving higher totals. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, creating areas of blowing and drifting snow. Travel could be very difficult, especially during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes.
Pine County, including Hinckley and Pine City, is under a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Snow accumulations are forecasted between 4 and 9 inches, potentially impacting Wednesday’s commutes.
Central Minnesota counties including Morrison, Mille Lacs, and Kanabec also face snow totals of 3 to 5 inches with gusts up to 45 mph, beginning Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Todd and Douglas Counties are expected to receive similar accumulations from noon Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Further north, areas including North St. Louis, Northern Cook, Central and Southern St. Louis, Southern Cook, Carlton, and South St. Louis Counties—including Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Ely, Hibbing, and Silver Bay—are under a warning from noon Tuesday to midnight Wednesday.
Snow totals are forecasted at 4 to 9 inches in Carlton and St. Louis Counties and 6 to 11 inches in Lake and Cook Counties. Gusts could reach 40 mph, with blowing snow reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions.
Wadena, Hubbard, East Becker, and East Otter Tail Counties in north-central Minnesota remain under a winter storm warning from noon Tuesday to midnight Tuesday night, with snow accumulations of 5 to 7 inches and wind gusts up to 35 mph.
Northern Wisconsin
Heavy lake-effect snow is expected in Ashland and Iron Counties, including Ashland, Hurley, and the Bad River and Lac du Flambeau Tribal Lands. The warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, with total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches, and up to 25 inches in northern Iron County. Winds could reach 35 mph, making roads and bridges slick and hazardous.
Bayfield and Douglas Counties, including Superior, Washburn, Bayfield, and the Red Cliff Band Tribal Lands, are also under a warning from 6 p.m. Tuesday to midnight Wednesday night. Snow totals are expected between 8 and 14 inches, with northern Bayfield County possibly seeing 12 to 16 inches. Gusty winds up to 35 mph may produce blowing and drifting snow.
Safety and Travel Precautions
Officials urge residents to avoid travel if possible. Those who must drive are advised to carry a winter storm kit including food, water, a flashlight, blankets, and extra clothing. Motorists should be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and slippery roads, and check local road conditions at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.
