Photo: Jasmin Schuler on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 3, 2026

The first of two winter storms to hit this week is slowly leaving the area, with the second following closely behind. Storm #1 arrived early Friday morning and brought a few inches to Cook County. A Winter Storm Warning was issued until 7 a.m., Friday, April 3, for southern Cook and Lake Counties, while a Winter Weather Advisory was issued for northern Cook and Lake Counties for the same timeframe. 

While those have officially expired, a second Winter Storm Warning, this time for all of Cook and Lake Counties, has been issued and is set to begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 3, and continue through Sunday at 1 a.m.  

According to the National Weather Service, storm #2 will bring heavy snow and gusty winds starting Friday afternoon through Saturday night. While the morning hours may see a lull in activity, a second period is expected to bring the most precipitation. The NWS Duluth expects the heaviest snowfall rates to occur between Friday night and Saturday morning, creating difficult travel conditions across Northeast Minnesota.

Snowfall amounts will vary by location, though the NWS Duluth said that the snow with this system is "likely to be wet and heavy." Total snowfall accumulations are expected to range between 4 and 11 inches for the Cook County area. 

In addition to heavy snow, strong northeast winds are also expected. The NWS Duluth said to expect gusts between 25 and 40 mph, particularly near Lake Superior, which could result in blowing and drifting snow. 

There is also the possibility of snow squalls on Friday afternoon for the entire Arrowhead region. 

As storm #2 exits late Saturday/early Sunday, a third system arrives. According to the NWS Duluth, a clipper system is expected to move through late Sunday into Monday, bringing a third round of light snow to the area to start off the week. 

Boreal Community Media will continue to provide updates as they are available. 

Weather-related closures and delays will be posted here.

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