Photo: Highway 61 in Schroeder, as of 10:17 a.m., courtesy of MnDOT

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m. update: North Shore braces for additional 5 to 10 inches of snow as blizzard conditions persist

A severe winter storm is currently impacting Minnesota’s North Shore, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerous blizzard conditions to the area. No travel advisories have been issued by the Cook County Highway Department, Lake County Sheriff's Office, and MnDOT as visibility remains severely restricted across the region. 

Early this morning, MnDOT reported that Highway 61 was closed to traffic starting around 6:00 a.m., and it reopened approximately one hour later. However, officials stated that conditions are still hazardous. According to MnDOT, whiteout conditions are prevalent, with visibility reduced to one-tenth of a mile or less in many areas. Authorities advise residents to remain off the roads if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists are urged to keep emergency kits in their vehicles.

Snowfall amounts

Lake County

• Wolf Ridge: 13.0 in as of 7:00 a.m.

• Two Harbors: 11.5 in to 13.0 in as of 8 a.m.

Cook County

• Hovland: 6.8 to 12.0 in as of 7:00 a.m.

• Grand Marais: 3.2 in (near Seagull Lake) to 10.6 (closer to shore) as of 9:15 a.m.

• Tofte: 7.4 in as of 7:00 a.m.

• Lutsen: 7.0 in as of 7:30 a.m. 

The storm has led to widespread closures and service delays across Cook County and Grand Portage, affecting many schools and local businesses. 

The latest forecast from the NWS is that snowfall will continue through 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19. Additional accumulation is expected, and gusty winds are forecast to persist, which may continue to cause blowing and drifting snow, keeping visibility low throughout the storm.