Blizzard heading to the North Shore

Another round of severe winter weather appears to be on the way tonight and Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Cook and Lake counties.

According to the Weather Service, surface low pressure will strengthen rapidly as it moves from Oklahoma to northeast Ontario by noon Sunday. Heavy snow and a brief period of freezing rain will accompany the storm system and will affect much of northwest Wisconsin and the Minnesota Arrowhead.

Strong winds are expected and may create visibilities of less than one-quarter mile at times while snow is falling. There is the possibility of gusts as high as 35 - 45 miles per hour, with occasional gusts of up to 50 miles per hour on Sunday.

Snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches is possible in the warned area, though less is expected in Grand Marais and Cook County. Snow tapers off from southwest to northeast Sunday afternoon. The strongest winds are expected from mid-morning Sunday into Sunday evening with blowing snow likely.

Conditions should improve Sunday night as the storm system lifts away from the Northland and winds diminish.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for Minnesota can be found at 511mn.org, and for Wisconsin at 511wi.gov, or by calling 511 in either state.