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Boreal Community Media

Gales of November continue with High Wind Warning, others, issued for Cook County and Grand Portage

Dec 04, 2024 09:02AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated 8:50 a.m. - December 4, 2024


After approximately 2-4" inches of freshly fallen snow (4.3 inches estimated for southern Cook County and Grand Portage), more warnings and advisories have been issued. 

The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a Small Craft Advisory and a Storm Warning (upgraded from a Gale Warning) for Grand Portage to Silver Bay. A Heavy Freezing Spray is also in effect from noon December 4 to 10 a.m. Thursday. 

The Small Craft Advisory began at noon on Tuesday, December 3, and is valid through noon on Wednesday, December 4. The Storm Warning is effective from noon on Wednesday through 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 5. 

Northwest winds at 15 kt to 25 kt (approximately 17 mph to 29 mph), with gusts up to 35 kt (approximately 40 mph), are expected during the Small Craft Advisory. Waves of 3 to 6 feet are forecasted. 

During the Storm Warning period, 20 to 30 kt winds out of the northwest (approximately 23 to 35 mph), with gusts of 50 kt (approximately 58 mph), are expected. Waves of 2 to 5 feet are forecasted. Boreal Community Media reached out to the National Weather Service to verify wave height during the Storm Warning. A meteorologist explained that, typically, northwest winds limit wave height along the north shore; however, it is possible we will see waves of 3 to 5 feet with these gales. 

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued from noon today through 10 a.m. Thursday. Heavy, freezing spray of 2 cm per hour or greater is expected and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. 

With the snow and high winds, the NWS Duluth has also issued a High Wind Warning from noon today through 6 a.m. on Thursday for Southern Cook County, including Grand Portage. Northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected. High winds have the potential for tree damage and power outages. A Wind Advisory has been issued for northern Cook County, with 15 to 20 mph northwest winds and gusts up to 45 mph expected. There is the potential for snow squalls, reduced visibility, and blowing and drifting snow throughout today. 

Boreal Community Media will provide any additional updates as they come in. 



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