Looming winter storm expected to drop a foot of snow, prompting closures across Cook County

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the North Shore beginning tonight and continuing into the early morning hours on Wednesday.

The latest reports from the National Weather Service in Duluth indicate that areas along the North Shore, from Duluth to Grand Portage, may receive between one and two feet of snow. Grand Marais is expected to receive 12-18 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Light rain or snow is expected to begin on Tuesday at approximately 7 p.m. with the storm increasing in intensity around midnight. According to National Weather Service reports, heavy snowfall will occur between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Snow will continue throughout Thursday.

In addition to the heavy snowfall, high winds and blizzard conditions are expected along the North Shore. The National Weather Service is predicting 40-50 mph winds in Grand Marais.

“Definitely going to be a memorable storm for folks across the area here,”  said Kevin Huyck, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in a Monday interview with WTIP.

Due to the looming winter storm, several events or organizations have announced closures.

A list of weather-related closures is below:

• First and Second Thrift Store will be closed on Wednesday
• Cook County Higher Education has canceled the Feb. 18 succession planning event
• Lutsen Lutheran Church has canceled the Ash Wednesday service
• Flintlock Range Association has canceled their Feb. 18 Wednesday meeting. The meeting is rescheduled for Feb. 25.
• Cascade Restaurant will be closed Wednesday, February 18 and will reopen at 8 AM on Thursday, February 19
• Zoar Church in Tofte has canceled Wednesday’s Bible Club, soup supper and ashes.
• Birch Grove Community School will be closed on Wednesday. The closure includes the Seedlings and Saplings program. The school said Thursday classes and programs are being assessed and are being determined.
• Great Expectations School will be closed on Wednesday.
• Cook County Schools will be closed and all school district activities are canceled on Wednesday, February 18.
• Oshki Ogimaag Community School will be closed on Wednesday, February 18 due to forecasted weather conditions
• Cook County History Museum will be closed Wednesday, February 18. The museum will provide an update on their website and social media regarding Thursday hours.
• The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will close the RTC offices and Tribal Programs on Wednesday. The Casino, Lodge, and Trading Post will remain open.
• Care Partners office will be closed Wednesday, February 18. They advise to call ahead for Thursday hours.
• In light of Wednesday’s forecast and staff safety, the Cook County Co-op will have shortened hours on Wed, Feb 18. Their current plan is to be open from 9 am to 4 pm with a small crew of in-town and near-town employees.
• North House Folk School will be closed Wednesday, February 18
• The Cook County Courthouse will be closed on Wednesday.
• The Hub will be closed Wednesday, February 18 and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. They will decide if they will open on Thursday.
• The Cook County Co-op is closed Wednesday.
• Grand Marais City Hall is closed Wednesday.
• Arrowhead Transit’s Ely, Grand Marais, and Two Harbors Dial-A-Ride have been cancelled Wednesday. Anticipate additional slight weather related delays.

Send your weather-related closures to news@wtip.org.

At 3:30 p.m. the National Weather Service shared an live update on its Facebook page regarding the expected winter storm. The NWS discussed updated snowfall amounts and held a Q & A session.

Kalli Hawkins February 17, 2026