Winter storm topples trees, motorists cautioned

The National Weather Service predicted wind gusts of up to 50 mph Friday, Nov. 18, and apparently that was the case this afternoon.
 
WTIP received reports of several trees down this evening, the first on Highway 61 in Grand Marais, right next to the North House Folk School/North Shore Title building (sometimes called the old Forest Service building.) The large pine crushed the hood of a parked car belonging to Sheila Wieben of Grand Marais. Trees also blew down on the North House campus, causing damage to a parked pickup. Fortunately, no one was injured.
 
Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Julie Collman told WTIP that MnDOT responded quickly and got the large pine cleared quickly. Large trees also fell on Highway 61 near Cascade State Park and in the Hovland area. They were also cleared by MnDOT.
 
The Cook County Highway Department responded to clear trees down on Old Ski Hill Road and at the east end of County Road 60. The tree down on County Road 60 completely blocked the roadway.  
 
Motorists are reminded to drive with caution during this winter storm because of icy roads and sometimes white out conditions, but also because of the possibility of downed trees in the roadway.
 
Also a victim to the high winds was the large community Christmas tree at Harbor Park in Grand Marais. Grand Marais Parks Director Dave Tersteeg said city crews will get the tree back up before the holiday celebration Friday, Nov. 25. 

Photo by Terry Backlund