Icy road conditions reported on Highway 61 and North Shore

Tuesday morning brought freezing rain and patchy fog conditions to the northeast Arrowhead region, creating icy conditions along Highway 61 and other roadways.

At approximately 9 a.m., the Cook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a truck that had flipped and was in the ditch along the Gunflint Trail between the Grand Marais water tower and Pincushion Mountain. No injuries were reported.

Shortly thereafter, WTIP received reports around 10 a.m. that Highway 61 near Silver Bay was “pure ice,” with traffic coming to a stop. Law enforcement responded to a semi-truck between Silver Bay and Beaver Bay that was unable to make it up a hill due to icy conditions, which likely contributed to the traffic slowdown.

At 11 a.m., icy conditions continued between Finland and Silver Bay.

According to 511mn.org, there is light slush on Highway 61 from Grand Marais to Silver Bay as of 11:37 a.m.

A dense fog advisory is in effect until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 6, according to the National Weather Service in Duluth. The advisory will reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. A chance for light snow is expected later today in Cook County and areas along the North Shore.

Tune in to 90.7 FM WTIP for the latest road conditions, or visit 511mn.org.

Kalli Hawkins January 6, 2026