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Boreal Community Media

Lots of wind, hit-or-miss snow, a few school closings in the Northland

Dec 03, 2017 07:23AM ● By Editor

Accumulating snow missed much of the Northland overnight, with only a dusting in many areas, but strong west-northwest winds are forecast to continue during the day today.

A few inches of snow did fall to the south and east of the Twin Ports, where winter weather advisories remain in effect this morning. Snow showers are possible across the entire region today.

Winds were gusting in excess of 40 mph at the Duluth harbor and Duluth airport this morning, with a gust to 54 mph reported at Devils Island in the Apostle Islands. The Duluth airport reported sustained winds of 30 mph with gusts to 41 mph as of 6 a.m., with a wind chill of 4 below zero.

After highs in some areas reached the 40s on Monday, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the teens today.

The winds also may cause some lakeshore flooding along the South Shore, especially along the Bayfield Peninsula; storm and gale warnings are in effect for Lake Superior. And they'll also spark some lake-effect snow showers for the South Shore snow belts.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported snow-covered highways across Northwestern Wisconsin this morning. The Minnesota DOT reported many highways across Northeastern Minnesota were partially covered with snow, including Interstate 35.

A few school districts in the Northland have delayed or canceled classes today (Tuesday, Dec. 5):

  • Northwood-Minong - 2-hour delay
  • Indus School - 2-hour delay
  • Bayfield - closed
  • Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College - closed
  • Hurley - closed
  • Ironwood - closed

Here's a roundup of advisories in effect for the region as of 6 a.m. Tuesday:

Isabella, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail

Winter weather advisory in effect until noon today. Additional snow accumulations of up to 2 inches possible; gusty winds will cause blowing and drifting snow.

Boreal Ship Spotter - larger view here