Flooding and more snow possible as foul weather descends on the North Shore, BWCA

Cook County residents woke up to rain, wind, and the occasional blasting of frozen precipitation hammering windows Sunday morning.

The situation is not likely to improve.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Sunday morning. It is in effect until Monday at 7 p.m.

Rain, snow, and freezing rain are all expected. By Monday night, there could be more than six inches of new snow on the ground.

Travel conditions are expected to be difficult as the freezing rain mixes with snow. Rivers, already swollen with melting snow from last week’s warm weather, could spill over their banks in some instances. On top of the winter storm warning, a flood advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Monday.

WTIP received reports of flooding on numerous Cook County roads in recent days, including standing water on the Gunflint Trail near the turnoff for East Bearskin Lake. Additional flooding was reported on Clearwater Road. North Shore rivers dumping into Lake Superior, from the Cascade to the Baptism, were swollen with ice chunks and dark water from a melting snowpack inland. Surging water and flood-like conditions are expected to amplify in the coming days.

The foul weather in the forecast follows a week of clear skies, calm wind, and temperatures in the upper 70s across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and most of Cook County. By comparison, the forecast for Sunday night reads: Rain, snow, freezing rain, and sleet before 1 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow with a low around 26. Very windy, with a north wind 30 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Listen to 90.7 FM for current conditions and additional weather-related news and information.

Joe Friedrichs April 16, 2023