Winter Storm Warning, Advisory issued as first of two storms set to arrive in Cook County
Apr 01, 2026 08:23AM ● By Content Editor
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - Updated April 3, originally posted April 1, 2026
Editor's note, 4/3: ***The Winter Storm Warning and Advisory associated with this storm have both expired***
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Winter continues to hang on as the calendar turns to April. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth is forecasting two separate winter storms that are expected to move through the area between Wednesday night and Saturday night. According to the NWS Duluth, this back-to-back wintry weather could bring heavy snow and ice accumulation to Northeast Minnesota.
First Winter Storm: Wednesday Night Through Friday Morning
The first storm is forecasted to arrive in Cook County and Grand Portage on Wednesday night and continue through early Friday morning. NWS Duluth said that the heaviest snowfall rates for this system, ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 inches per hour, will occur during the daytime hours on Thursday. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the southern portions of Cook and Lake counties, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the northern parts of these counties. Both the advisory and warning will begin on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. through Friday, April 3, at 7 a.m.
In terms of accumulation, the NWS Duluth estimates precipitation totals in the warning areas to be between 6 and 9 inches of wet, heavy snow for the first system, with higher totals in the higher elevations along Lake Superior.
In the advisory area, estimated snowfall is between 5 and 7 inches.
However, temperatures are forecasted to hover near freezing during the day on Thursday, and the NWS shares that snow may struggle to accumulate on some surfaces, particularly roads and sidewalks.
Strong northeast winds are also a concern, with a Gale Warning in effect on Lake Superior. These winds, combined with higher snowfall rates, may lead to areas of blowing snow.
The NWS Duluth has issued a reminder that "70% of snow and ice-related injuries occur in automobiles" and advises drivers to leave extra space between vehicles.
Second Winter Storm: Friday Night Through Saturday Night
A second storm system is expected to arrive late Friday and last through Saturday night. NWS Duluth indicates that snow from this system is most likely to begin on Friday afternoon or evening, with the heaviest snowfall rates occurring on Friday night. At this point, no warnings or advisories have been placed by the NWS.
For this second system, the NWS Duluth forecasts a 73% probability that the Grand Marais area will receive at least 4 inches of snow accumulation. Winds during this second storm may gust between 20 and 30 mph, potentially causing blowing and drifting snow, especially near Lake Superior.
Boreal Community Media will continue to provide updates as available.
For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit 511mn.org.
To see any weather-related delays or closures, click here.
