Duluth, Cloquet police advise no travel as winter storm continues in Northland

Police in Duluth and Cloquet are advising no unnecessary travel in those cities this evening as heavy snow and gusty winds have made driving extremely difficult across the Northland.

Snowfall so far today has exceeded a half-foot in some areas, with winds creating much deeper drifts.

The Duluth Police Department reported that it was pulling all of its two-wheel-drive squads off the road, with only 4x4 vehicles out on patrol this evening.

The department also reminded Duluth residents that they need to follow the scheduled alternate-side parking switch this evening, or vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

The Cloquet Police Department advised no travel in that city tonight until plows have a chance to get out early Monday morning.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reports hazardous driving conditions across Northeastern Minnesota. No travel was advised for areas west of Grand Rapids.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports snow- and ice-covered roads in Northwestern Wisconsin.

Visibilities were dropping below a quarter-mile at times in parts of the region as bands of heavy snow moved up from the south.

At least two arrivals and departures at the Duluth International Airport were canceled this afternoon. The Twin Cities airport also had many weather-related flight delays and cancellations. Travelers should contact their airline for up-to-date information.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for all of the Northland until 6 p.m. Monday, with widespread storm snow totals of 6-10 inches expected, and some isolated higher amounts.

Storm forecast

Here is a roundup of winter storm warnings and advisories in effect for the region today through Monday:

Duluth, Iron Range, North Shore, Grand Rapids, International Falls

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

Heavy snow this afternoon will become lighter - but continue - tonight into Monday.

Snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are expected, with highest amounts likely from Itasca County across the Iron Range and up to the Ely area.

East to northeast winds may gust to 25 mph today, before switching to the northwest at 10 to 20 mph on Monday. Gusts to 40 mph are possible this afternoon and evening near Lake Superior, which may cause considerable blowing and drifting snow.

Brainerd, Aitkin, Hinckley

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

Heavy snow this afternoon will become lighter - but continue - tonight into Monday.

Snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are expected, with highest amounts likely across Cass County.

East to northeast winds may gust to 25 mph today, before switching to the northwest at 10 to 20 mph on Monday.

Superior, Ashland, Hurley, Hayward

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

Heavy snow this afternoon will become lighter - but continue - tonight into Monday. There may be some freezing rain mixed in today.

Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected, with the highest amounts near Lake Superior.

East to northeast winds may gust to 25 mph on Sunday, before switching to the northwest at 10 to 15 mph on Monday. Gusts to 40 mph are possible this afternoon and evening near Lake Superior.

Twin Cities

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday.

Snow is forecast to become lighter - but continue - tonight into Monday. There may be some freezing rain mixed in today.

Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected.

Gusty winds may lead to blowing and drifting snow.

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