Ice and snow accumulation expected to impact weekend travel

A system is on track to bring rain, snow, and everything in between to the Northland this weekend. The greatest concern is the potential for ice accumulation. Several inches of wet heavy snow will also be possible for much of the Northland. Traffic cameras and road conditions by state are available here.

An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for Sawyer, Iron, and Ashland counties until 6am Sunday. Down trees and power outages could become a problem.

Travel concerns will be widespread until 6 a.m. Sunday with a Winter Storm Warning in effect for Douglas, Bayfield, Burnett, and Washburn counties in Wisconsin and Pine county in Minnesota. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for portions of St. Louis and Aitkin counties as well as all of Lake and Cook counties during the same time.

Northwest Wisconsin will see the mix turn to rain from the south this afternoon with a rumble of thunder possible. The worst period will be Saturday evening and overnight as wintry mix turns to snow. The snow may fall heavily before tapering off from west to east Sunday morning.

Snow accumulation will be dependent on when precipitation transitions from a wintry mix to snow. As of now, a widespread chance for 3-6" extends from eastern Aitkin County across the Minnesota Arrowhead and the North and South Shores of Lake Superior. Totals drop off moving northwest and south of the Lake Superior area. Higher amounts of 6-8" will be possible locally by the tips of the Arrowhead and the Bayfield Peninsula.

Winds will shift out of the northwest Saturday night into Sunday. Lake enhanced snow may linger along the South Shore into Sunday afternoon. Travel may continue to be difficult as we recover from what develops tonight.