Update: Winter Storm Warning + Advisory In Duluth Area, Blizzard Warning Nearby

Since last weekend, large portions of northern Minnesota have been included in Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories.

While some of those counties saw those warnings expire, the National Weather Service quickly braced a large portion of the region for another significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds at least Saturday morning.

While there are Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and even Blizzard Warnings to be found throughout Minnesota and into Wisconsin this weekend, we will focus on the areas closer to the Northland and Northern Minnesota.

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Blizzard Warning (NEW)

This new Blizzard Warning was issued Friday evening for Bayfield and Ashland Counties in Wisconsin, including the cities of Washburn, Bayfield, and Ashland, all of which are less than 90 miles from the Twin Ports. It's worth noting this warning as it shows how powerful this storm is.

The Blizzard Warning is in effect until noon on Saturday, January 13, at which time a Winter Storm Warning will take over until Midnight. Strong winds are playing a key role here.

Here is what is expected for the remainder of the warnings:

• What: For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 13 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches with winds gusting as high as 30 mph.
• Where: Bayfield and Ashland Counties. This includes the cities of Washburn, Bayfield, and Ashland, as well as the Tribal Lands of the Bad River Reservation and the Red Cliff Band.
• Impacts: Travel could be very difficult to potentially impossible for roads near Lake Superior including US Hwy 2 and State Route 13. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Travel is not recommended unless for an emergency.

Winter Storm Warning #2

This is the Winter Storm Warning that is closest to the Twin Ports as it impacts Douglas County and includes Superior. It is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Saturday.

• What: Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches in southern Douglas County. Higher amounts of 7 to 11 inches in northern Douglas County. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
• Where: Douglas County, including Superior, Wisconsin
• Impacts: Plan on slippery road conditions.

In northern Minnesota, while there are no new Winter Storm Warnings issued, there are Winter Weather Advisories due to possible snow accumulations as well as slippery road conditions, strong winds, and dangerous wind chill temperatures.

UPDATE: The length of the advisory for the Duluth area was shortened on Friday evening.

Winter Weather Advisory #1

This advisory is for the Duluth area and includes South St. Louis and Carlton Counties.

This Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect until 6:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13. After that, bitterly cold temperatures will prevail.

• What: Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
• Where: Carlton and South St. Louis County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Fond du Lac Band.
• Impacts: Plan on slippery road conditions.

Further south there is still dangerous weather expected and related advisories are in place until Saturday morning. While forecast snowfall amounts have decreased across that region, including areas such as Minneapolis and St. Cloud, the NWS is confident that dangerously cold wind chills will follow into Saturday night, with widespread values of -25 to -40 likely through early next week.

The weather gets even worse as you travel from the Twin Ports into the South Shore area in Wisconsin. That is highlighted below with a graphic shared on Facebook Saturday afternoon by the National Weather Service.

On the plus side, later Friday night, the National Weather Service reported snowfall rates had temporarily improved, so overall amounts may be a bit less in parts of Bayfield County. However, strong winds will keep blizzard conditions in the area through Saturday.

It's obvious from the snow, wind, and extreme cold, that hazardous conditions in one form or another will make traveling dangerous at times this weekend.

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The National Weather Service urges everyone with travel plans in impact areas to slow down and use caution while driving. Remember, you can always get the latest road conditions by calling 5 1 1.

You can also check Minnesota road conditions through 511MN.org. Wisconsin road conditions can be found at 511WI.gov.

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