Blizzard dumps over 16 inches of snow in Duluth

UPDATE: According to the city of Duluth and the National Weather Service, 19 inches of snow has fallen in Duluth and another 1-3 inches is predicted to fall before noon, when the storm begins to move out of the region. Winds will start to subside later today as well. The powerful winter storm has been accompanied by events and institutions issuing postponements and closures. In partnership with the National Weather Service, the city of Duluth issued a no-travel advisory at noon Saturday until further notice. In the Proctor area, a stretch of I-35 remains closed Sunday after heavy snow slammed the region. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the stretch between Exit 237 near Scanlon and Exit 249 near Boundary Avenue in Proctor is closed. No word as of 9:15 a.m. Sunday when it will re-open. It still appears that Cook County will avoid the worst of the slow-moving storm moving across Minnesota and Wisconsin, with an expected 2-5 inches of snow. However, anyone planning to head to the Twin Ports should wait. Highway 61 beyond the Cook/Lake county line is extremely hazardous, with the National Weather Service in Duluth measuring 16.3 inches before 3 a.m., Nov. 30.

Winds are creating blizzard conditions in the Duluth area with near whiteout conditions along the South Shore as well.

High waves and flooding in Duluth led the city to close access to Park Point for non-residents. The Duluth Police Department is checking identification before at the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Officials have also closed Buchanan Street and the portion of Canal Park Drive that connects to Morse Street.
The city of Duluth continues to advise absolutely no travel unless it is an emergency.

The storm is expected to last until noon on Sunday, however, the majority of snowfall will accumulate before 6 a.m.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.