Travel advisories issued in Cook County and Grand Portage as road conditions begin to worsen as rain, snow, fall
Dec 18, 2025 11:20AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: MnDOT
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 18, 2025
A messy winter weather system is impacting roads in Cook County, Grand Portage, and throughout the Arrowhead region of Minnesota.
Local reports indicate that gravel roads in the county are becoming extremely slick. A travel advisory has been issued by the Cook County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, stating:
"Due to the unseasonably warm, wet weather we are experiencing, the gravel roads in Cook County are becoming precarious to drive on. The Cook County Highway Department is unable to plow or grade them. If you don't have to drive on a gravel road, please stay off them."
The Cook County Highway Department (CCHD) also issued a travel advisory for slippery road conditions, especially on gravel roads.
According to CCHD, "County trucks are treating the asphalt roadways with salted sand, but cannot operate safely on gravel roads at this time. The Highway Department will continue to monitor and attempt to improve conditions using motor graders. Travel is not advised, especially on gravel roadways."
According to MnDOT, driving conditions along Highway 61 in Hovland and Grand Portage are currently impacted by roads lightly covered in slush. Additionally, as of 10:30 a.m., MnDOT is reporting a crash and a jackknifed semi-truck between Grand Marais and Lutsen. Currently, road conditions in that area are being reported as "damp." To view the latest road conditions, visit MnDOT.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the county, and a High Wind Warning is in effect closer to Lake Superior. A flash freeze and high winds are expected throughout the day on Thursday.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 18, 2025
A messy winter weather system is impacting roads in Cook County, Grand Portage, and throughout the Arrowhead region of Minnesota.
Local reports indicate that gravel roads in the county are becoming extremely slick. A travel advisory has been issued by the Cook County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, stating:
"Due to the unseasonably warm, wet weather we are experiencing, the gravel roads in Cook County are becoming precarious to drive on. The Cook County Highway Department is unable to plow or grade them. If you don't have to drive on a gravel road, please stay off them."
The Cook County Highway Department (CCHD) also issued a travel advisory for slippery road conditions, especially on gravel roads.
According to CCHD, "County trucks are treating the asphalt roadways with salted sand, but cannot operate safely on gravel roads at this time. The Highway Department will continue to monitor and attempt to improve conditions using motor graders. Travel is not advised, especially on gravel roadways."
According to MnDOT, driving conditions along Highway 61 in Hovland and Grand Portage are currently impacted by roads lightly covered in slush. Additionally, as of 10:30 a.m., MnDOT is reporting a crash and a jackknifed semi-truck between Grand Marais and Lutsen. Currently, road conditions in that area are being reported as "damp." To view the latest road conditions, visit MnDOT.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the county, and a High Wind Warning is in effect closer to Lake Superior. A flash freeze and high winds are expected throughout the day on Thursday.
