Photo: iuliu illes on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - November 25, 2025

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth issued an update on a major winter storm that is expected to impact Thanksgiving holiday travelers, particularly in Cook County, Grand Portage, and most of Minnesota and NW Wisconsin. The NWS issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cook County and Grand Portage, effective Tuesday, November 25, into Wednesday, November 26. The Winter Storm Warning was also extended into central and most of southern Minnesota. 

Travelers planning to move through the area "must prepare for severe conditions," the NWS stated in its November 25 update. According to the forecast, valid through noon on Thursday, November 27, Cook County should expect 6–8 inches of snow for areas along Lake Superior and the northern portions of the county, and 8–12 inches for Grand Portage and the mid-section of the county. This accumulation, combined with possible wind gusts up to 40 mph, will lead to blowing snow and poor road conditions. Precipitation is expected to change over to all snow throughout the day into the evening, from northwest to southeast, and will be heavy at times.

According to the NWS, the heaviest and most hazardous travel conditions are expected tonight into Wednesday for NE Minnesota.  

Conditions will begin to improve as snow is forecast to subside for most locations by Wednesday night, and the NWS expects travel conditions to "improve for most" on Thursday. However, the storm will be immediately followed by a wave of cold air beginning Wednesday, with highs dropping into the 20s and lows reaching the teens and single digits. Overnight and early morning wind chills in the single digits to around 0 °F are also likely. 

Travelers are advised to monitor the latest forecast, winterize their vehicles, pack an emergency supply kit, and check up-to-date road conditions for 511mn.org for Minnesota and 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

The NWS plans to issue another update on Tuesday afternoon. Boreal Community Media will provide updates on any changes to the forecast once they are available.