Photo: Alisher Isagaliev on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated December 18, 2025, originally posted December 17, 2025

December 18 update:

The NWS provided an updated forecast for the Winter Weather Advisory and High Wind Warning issued yesterday, showing that the light wintry mix and freezing drizzle falling this morning in the area will gradually transition into snow as the day goes on. Expected snow accumulation is 1-4", with lower totals closer to Lake Superior. 

One main concern today is the risk of a flash freeze as temperatures drop rapidly from the 30s this morning to near or below zero tonight. These freezing conditions are expected to develop between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. across the Arrowhead region. This rapid cooldown will likely quickly freeze any existing moisture or slush on road surfaces.

Strong northwest winds are still in the forecast and are expected to increase this afternoon. Wind gusts are projected to peak as high as 50-65 mph this evening. These high winds are expected to cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Updated at 2:50 p.m. on December 17, 2025

The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and a High Wind Watch this afternoon, replacing the Winter Storm Watch. A combination of mixed precipitation and strong wind gusts to the region is expected to begin this evening. The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through 4 a.m. Friday.

The NWS said to expect a messy transition of precipitation beginning tonight with a mix of snow and a light glaze of ice. Total snow accumulations are currently projected between 2 and 6 inches. While these totals are slightly lower than earlier morning estimates for the immediate shoreline, the primary concern has shifted toward the intensity of the wind. North winds are expected to increase to 20 to 30 mph on Thursday, with gusts now reaching as high as 55 to 60 mph.

The combination of heavy, wet snow and these high wind gusts creates a risk of downed trees and power lines, making widespread power outages a distinct possibility through Thursday night. Travel is expected to be difficult and hazardous. High-profile vehicles should exercise extreme caution as the High Wind Watch takes effect Thursday evening.

As the storm system departs late Thursday night, a rapid cooldown will move into the Arrowhead. Any remaining slush or moisture on the roads will likely freeze quickly as temperatures drop. By late Friday night into Saturday morning, the region will face extremely cold conditions, with wind chills expected to reach the -20s. 

Original post: 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Cook County and Grand Portage as a midweek clipper system approaches the region. This system is expected to bring a light wintry mix to the north shore beginning Wednesday afternoon, with periods of freezing drizzle through Wednesday evening and into the early hours of Thursday morning. The NWS forecasts a transition to all-snow on Thursday morning, though a dry slot is expected to move through the area, creating a temporary break in precipitation during the day.

Snowfall accumulations are expected to be highest in the northernmost sections of the county, with Grand Portage and the Sea Gull Lake area forecast to receive approximately 10 inches of snow. Closer to the shoreline of Lake Superior, three to seven inches is expected. Because the snow is expected to be heavy and wet, the combination of accumulation and high winds increases the risk of power outages across the area.

Wind conditions will intensify as the system progresses, with northwest gusts expected to reach 40-45 mph on Thursday. 

Following the departure of the storm system, a rapid cooldown will begin Thursday night. By late Friday night into Saturday morning, wind chills are expected to reach the -20s.