First winter storm of the season brings power outages across Cook County

While flurries and isolated snow showers have been seen in Cook County over the past few weeks, the first storm of the winter swept across Minnesota beginning Tuesday, Nov. 25. Though the total snowfall fell short of predictions in the Arrowhead, the storm was not without impact. Power outages began Wednesday afternoon across the county.

Power was restored relatively quickly for Grand Marais residents as the city generator was engaged. As of the time of publication, power has been restored to some parts of the county.

Grand Marais Communications Director Patrick Knight told WTIP that the outage was caused by damage to a transmission line in the Schroeder area.

Knight added, “The work the lineworkers and do all summer to move lines underground where possible and keep up with maintenance is the key to our uptime and quick responses to outages in the winter when we often rely on it the most.”

Original forecasts around Lake Superior predicted precipitation throughout the day on Tuesday, but snow didn’t start in Cook County until the evening. Overnight snow totals varied across the region. Strong gusts of wind contributed the larger drifts and impacted visibility for drivers.

On Monday the National Weather Service warned of up to 13 inches in Cook County and issued a Winter Storm Warning. The county was downgraded to a Winter Storm Advisory during the day on Wednesday.

Those outside the city experiencing a power outage can call Arrowhead Cooperative at 218-663-7239. For Grand Marais residents,  outages should be reported to Public Utilities at 218-387-1848 to.

Kirsten Wisniewski November 26, 2025