Northeast Minnesota – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect across parts of northeast Minnesota as a brief round of freezing rain overnight is expected to create hazardous travel conditions through early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service office in Duluth, a narrow band of showers is forecast to move across the Arrowhead region late Friday night into the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. As surface temperatures stay below freezing, the precipitation is expected to fall as freezing rain, leading to light ice accumulation on roads, sidewalks, and other exposed surfaces.
What forecasters are expecting overnight
Meteorologists say ice accumulations will generally remain light, topping out around 0.05 inches in most locations. While the amount may seem minor, even a thin glaze of ice can sharply reduce traction, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
The most hazardous period is expected overnight, when traffic volumes are lower but visibility and reaction time may be reduced. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing through much of the event, increasing the likelihood that ice will persist until shortly after sunrise.
Counties and communities under the advisory
The Winter Weather Advisory includes portions of northeast Minnesota, covering:
- Koochiching County
- North and Central Itasca County
- North and Central St. Louis County
- Cook County
- Lake County
Communities within the advisory area include International Falls, Ely, Hibbing, Bigfork, Isabella, and Grand Marais. The advisory also extends to outdoor and remote areas such as Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Tribal Lands including the Grand Portage Reservation and areas of the Bois Forte Band, such as Nett Lake and Lake Vermilion.
Advisory timing and travel impacts
The advisory remains in effect until 5 a.m. CST Saturday. Forecasters warn that bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and untreated secondary roads are most likely to become slick, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours.
Drivers traveling overnight or early Saturday are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Pedestrians should also use caution, as even lightly iced sidewalks can become dangerously slippery.
Additional concerns for residents
While widespread damage is not expected, officials note that isolated power issues could occur in areas where ice briefly accumulates on lines or tree branches. Residents in rural and heavily wooded areas should be prepared for short-term disruptions and ensure mobile devices are charged overnight.
Outdoor recreationists and early-morning travelers in wilderness areas are also advised to be cautious, as icy conditions may be harder to detect on trails, parking areas, and access roads.
What to do if you must travel
If travel cannot be avoided, safety officials recommend allowing extra time, carrying winter emergency supplies, and staying informed by checking local road conditions and weather updates before heading out.
Conclusion
Although ice amounts are expected to be light, the timing and freezing temperatures could make overnight and early Saturday travel hazardous across northeast Minnesota. Residents are encouraged to remain alert, take precautions, and monitor updated forecasts as conditions evolve.
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