Photo: Mark Rolfe on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 17, 2026

A significant winter storm is arriving in the Northland, with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasting heavy snowfall and potential blizzard conditions for Cook County and the Grand Portage area. According to the NWS, blizzard conditions are expected in areas near the shoreline of Lake Superior, where winds over 50 mph and snow accumulations of more than 1 foot are forecast. A Blizzard Warning is in effect for southern Cook County from 9 p.m. on Tuesday until noon on Thursday. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for northern Cook County, with snowfall of 6"-18" expected, with lower amounts near the U.S./Canadian border. 

The storm is projected to cause hazardous travel across the region starting Tuesday night and continuing through Thursday morning. Precipitation may begin as a mix of rain or freezing rain before transitioning to snow. Current snowfall forecasts indicate significant accumulations, with Grand Marais and Grand Portage both expected to receive between 12 and 18 inches of snow. The heaviest precipitation is likely to occur from late Tuesday night through midday Wednesday, closest to Lake Superior.

The storm will initially produce a heavy, wet snow with low snow-to-liquid ratios, which the NWS warns "can clump to power lines and is difficult to shovel." These conditions may lead to power outages, especially when combined with high winds. As temperatures drop on Thursday and Friday, the snow will become more powdery and prone to blowing. Residents are advised to "shovel smart" by taking frequent breaks and moving only small amounts of snow at a time to avoid physical strain.

To see a list of weather-related closures and delays, click here.

For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit 511mn.org.