UPDATE: Aerial Lift Bridge Reopened to Residential Traffic After Brief Closure

UPDATE 7:30 pm - Access to and from Park Point has been restored, following a roughly one-hour closure due to dangerous water levels at both ends of the bridge. Water has receded to levels safe enough for traffic as of just after 7 pm.

There are still a number of power outages around the region, and you can get links to the most recent outage info in links below.

Original Story

The Aerial Lift Bridge has been closed off to all traffic except for emergency vehicles. The closure was announced due to a large amount of standing water at both ends of the bridge, leading to issues for residents crossing the bridge. Residents on Park Point are being encouraged to shelter in place during this closure of the bridge to traffic.

The closure is in effect until at least 7:30 Monday evening, at which point the closure will be re-assessed. Residents that are not already at home are encouraged to go to a friend or family member's residence not located on Park Point.

The bridge was previously closed to non-residents due to coastal flooding from today's powerful wind and rain. The City of Duluth shared the notice this evening of that closure, which has now been elevated to include all non-emergency traffic.

Another addition to the closures related to today's storm includes 131st Avenue West, which is closed at Highway 23. This joins the list of closures from earlier today, which includes Brighton Beach, a portion of Canal Park Drive, and Buchanan and Morse Street.

City officials also encourage the public to drive with extra caution while traveling around the region, due to several stoplights that are out as a result of a number of power outages around the region. They remind drivers that any intersection with a stoplight that isn't working should be treated like a 4-way stop, taking turns.

Another hazard to be aware of is debris, fallen trees, and fallen power lines that may be in roadways due to the wind. Take extra care if you see what may be a downed power line. Do not drive into the area, even if you aren't totally sure if it is a power line.

There are still thousands of people without power around the region as of 6:30 this evening. Minnesota Power is reporting over 6,000 customers without power, while Superior Water, Light, and Power and Lake Country Power also are reporting smaller outages. You can see the latest power outages here: MN Power | Superior Water, Light & Power | Lake Country Power