Severe weather wreaks havoc on the Gunflint Trail

A winter storm swept through Cook County April 6, knocking out power to many local residents and making travel nearly impossible on sections of the Gunflint Trail.

Reports of downed trees on the Gunflint continued to reach the WTIP news desk Thursday morning, and some remained without power as of 9 a.m. on April 7. More than a foot of heavy, wet snow fell near the Mid-Trail area by Wednesday night.

WTIP received an update from Arrowhead Electric Cooperative at 8:40 a.m. Thursday about the power outage. It reads: “Line crews worked late into the night and again early this morning. The larger outages have been restored. Crews are working on smaller outages in the Grand Portage, Maple Hill, Devil Track, and Caribou Trail areas. We expect the work to continue throughout the day. Please contact the office if you have any questions.”

Arrowhead officials said to expect outages on and off for the next 24 hours. People can call Arrowhead anytime the power goes off. The number to call is: 218-663-7239

Brown-outs (low power situations) are not expected, but if you notice dim lights or half power in your home, turn your breaker off and call Arrowhead.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Department and Arrowhead Electric respectfully ask not to call local dispatch/law enforcement during a power outage.

WTIP will continue to share live updates on the airwaves about any power outages and the winter weather. Conditions are expected to improve Thursday night, though flooding and water issues are possible for inland Cook County following all the precipitation during the past 36 hours.

Joe Friedrichs April 7, 2022