Blizzard aftermath: snow totals, closures and scenes from the storm
Northeastern Minnesota and areas along the North Shore are on the tail end of a significant winter storm that began late Tuesday, bringing over two feet of snow in some areas.
The winter storm, which hit its stride on Wednesday, brought reports of 58 mph winds in the Grand Marais harbor and recorded 52 mph winds in Grand Portage and Schroeder.
The high winds, coupled with heavy snowfall, shut down the majority of Grand Marais, as businesses, schools, grocery stores, and organizations closed their doors and canceled events.
Snowfall totals across Cook County and the Arrowhead region range from 6 inches to 38 inches. Closer to the Lake Superior shore, reports of 38 inches were recorded in Hovland. Farther down the shore, near Grand Marais, weather reporters documented between 15 and 17 inches. On the west end of Cook County, in Lutsen, snowfall reports range between 19 and 24 inches.
Inland areas saw significantly less snowfall than areas along the Lake Superior shore. Further up the Gunflint Trail near the mid-trail area, there are reports of 10 to 13 inches of snowfall, and towards the end of the trail near Seagull Lake, reports of 6 inches.
“Snowfall accumulations themselves were quite impressive across the Lakeshore areas up into the high terrain ridge line for the southern half of the county,” said Nathan Lynum, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Duluth.
24-hour snowfall accumulation reports from National Weather Service weather reporters | Graphic by NWS
In Grand Marais, snowdrifts reaching three to four feet in height were visible in front of businesses such as The Gunflint Tavern, World’s Best Donuts, The Shoreline Inn, and several other homes and buildings. Photos are below.
Cook County Facilities Closed February 19
Due to continued hazardous weather conditions, Cook County facilities will be closed today, February 19.
In an announcement, the county said, “We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we prioritize safety of residents and staff. Thank you to Highway, Law Enforcement, and other staff that continue to work outside through the storm for essential public services.”
The Cook County YMCA will be closed on Thursday. There will be no programming, childcare, or staff.
Cook County Schools Closed February 19
- Due to the blizzard warnings continuing through noon today, Cook County Schools decided to close and all school district activities are cancelled on Thursday, February 19.
- Birch Grove Community School is closed on Thursday. There will be no K-5 school, Saplings or Seedlings program.
- Great Expectations School will be closed on Thursday.
Business Closures:
- Crosby Bakery closed on Thursday
- Cook County Historical Society & the JHP will be closed on Thursday
- The Hub (Senior Center) will be closed on Thursday. All activities are canceled
- First & Second Thrift Store will be closed on Thursday
- Sisu and Löyly will be closed on Thursday
Delayed opening
- The Grand Marais Public Library will have a delayed opening. The library will open at noon on Thursday, Feb. 19
- The Cook County Co-op will reopen at noon on Thursday
- Cascade Lodge & Restaurant will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday
- Sivertson Gallery will open at noon on Thursday
Canceled events
- North Shore Swing Band has canceled their event at Up Yonder on Thursday
Send your weather-related closures to news@wtip.org.
Blizzard and snow drift photos by Kalli Hawkins of Grand Marais are below:
WTIP spoke with Duluth-based meteorologist Nathan Lynum with the National Weather Service live at 8:40 a.m. on North Shore Morning for a post-storm report. Audio below.
Kalli Hawkins February 19, 2026
