Alert archive / Minnesota / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 7, NWS Duluth, MN

December 15, 20214 counties in Minnesota

NWS Duluth, MN issued this winter storm warning at Dec 15, 2021, 3:31 PM CST for 4 counties in Minnesota. It took effect at Dec 16, 2021, 12:00 AM CST. It was in force for 12 hr. 10 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 15, 2021, 3:31 PM CST (21:31 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 16, 2021, 12:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 16, 2021, 12:00 PM CST
In force
12 hr
Issued by
NWS Duluth, MN

Counties Cass County, MN, Itasca County, MN, Koochiching County, MN, Saint Louis County, MN

The radar

The Duluth radar (KDLH), 130 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:33 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 16, 5:00 AM CSTSNOW 1Cook, MNCO-OP OBSERVER STATION COKM5 COOK 8NE.
Dec 16, 6:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.53 E Orr, MNCO-OP OBSERVER STATION LEIM5 ORR 3 E.
Dec 16, 6:00 AM CSTSNOW 32 Ssw Kabetogama, MNCO-OP OBSERVER STATION KABM5 KABETOGAMA.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 16 Sw Gowan, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-SL-168 WRIGHT 9.2 NNE.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.15 Ne Cohasset, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-IT-17 GRAND RAPIDS 6.1 N.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.2Chisholm, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-SL-15 CHISHOLM 0.4 WSW.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.5Coleraine, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-IT-38 COLERAINE 0.7 S.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.71 Ssw Kabetogama, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-SL-171 KABETOGAMA 0.7 SSW.
Dec 16, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 1.94 Ese Casino, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-CS-1 PILLAGER 5.1 N.
Dec 16, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.37 Ssw Grand Rapids, MNCOCORAHS STATION MN-IT-7 GRAND RAPIDS 6.2 SSW.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

International Fa, MN (KINL), launched 12:00Z, 9.5 hours before the alert went out and 112 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, International Fa, MN at 12:00Z on 2021-12-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, International Fa, MN at 12:00Z on 2021-12-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 228 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1734 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
38 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
228 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
319 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

720 
WWUS43 KDLH 152131
WSWDLH

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
331 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

MNZ010-011-018-160945-
/O.UPG.KDLH.WW.Y.0021.211216T0600Z-211216T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KDLH.WS.W.0007.211216T0600Z-211216T1800Z/
Koochiching-North St. Louis-North Itasca-
Including the cities of International Falls, Ely, and Bigfork
331 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected, with near-blizzard
  conditions. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Koochiching, North St. Louis and North Itasca 
  Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte 
  Band, Deer Creek and, Nett Lake areas.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Thursday morning commute. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near-blizzard conditions possible tonight 
  due to heavy snow and very strong northwest winds! This could 
  make travel very treacherous at times, particularly during the 
  Thursday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ025-026-033-160945-
/O.NEW.KDLH.WS.W.0007.211216T0600Z-211216T1800Z/
North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass-
Including the cities of Walker, Grand Rapids, and Pine River
331 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected, with near-blizzard
  conditions. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...North Cass, South Itasca and South Cass Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Thursday morning commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near-blizzard conditions possible tonight 
  due to heavy snow and very strong northwest winds! This could 
  make travel very treacherous at times, particularly during the 
  Thursday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ012-019>021-034>038-160945-
/O.NEW.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.211216T0900Z-211216T1800Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake-
Southern Cook-Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-
Including the cities of Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, 
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, 
Pine City, and Hinckley
331 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and flash freeze expected. Total snow accumulations
  of up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Thursday morning commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Much colder air will build into the region
  tonight through Thursday morning, causing flash freeze
  conditions. Wet pavement and roadways may become very slick as
  they freeze over!

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/Duluth
4 follow-up statements
366 
WWUS43 KDLH 160325
WSWDLH

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
925 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

MNZ010-011-018-025-026-033-161530-
/O.CON.KDLH.WS.W.0007.211216T0600Z-211216T1800Z/
Koochiching-North St. Louis-North Itasca-North Cass-South Itasca-
South Cass-
Including the cities of International Falls, Ely, Bigfork, 
Walker, Grand Rapids, and Pine River
925 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected, with near-
  blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Koochiching, North St. Louis and North Itasca 
  Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte 
  Band, Deer Creek and, Nett Lake areas.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. Gusty 
  winds could bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near-blizzard conditions possible tonight 
  due to heavy snow and very strong northwest winds! This could 
  make travel very treacherous at times, particularly during the 
  Thursday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ012-019>021-034>038-161530-
/O.CON.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.211216T0900Z-211216T1800Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake-
Southern Cook-Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-
Including the cities of Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, 
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, 
Pine City, and Hinckley
925 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO NOON
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and flash freeze expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 
  mph.

* WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Much colder air will build into the 
  region tonight through Thursday morning, causing flash freeze 
  conditions. Wet pavement and roadways may become very slick as 
  they freeze over!.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/Duluth
328 
WWUS43 KDLH 160911
WSWDLH

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
311 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

MNZ010-011-018-025-026-033-161800-
/O.CON.KDLH.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Koochiching-North St. Louis-North Itasca-North Cass-South Itasca-
South Cass-
Including the cities of International Falls, Ely, Bigfork, 
Walker, Grand Rapids, and Pine River
311 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...North Itasca, South Cass, Koochiching, North St. 
  Louis, South Itasca and North Cass Counties. This includes the 
  Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte Band, Deer Creek and, Nett Lake 
  areas.

* WHEN...Until noon CST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A flash freeze may occur yet this morning
  as temperatures drop, causing water on roadways to quickly
  freeze and make for treacherous travel.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ012-019>021-034>038-161800-
/O.CON.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake-
Southern Cook-Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-
Including the cities of Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, 
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, 
Pine City, and Hinckley
311 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST
TODAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until noon CST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Much colder air will build into the area
  this morning, causing flash freeze conditions. Wet pavement and
  roadways may become very slick as they freeze over!

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/Duluth
496 
WWUS43 KDLH 161712
WSWDLH

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
1112 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

MNZ010-011-018-025-026-033-161815-
/O.CON.KDLH.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Koochiching-North St. Louis-North Itasca-North Cass-South Itasca-
South Cass-
Including the cities of International Falls, Ely, Bigfork, 
Walker, Grand Rapids, and Pine River
1112 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...North Itasca, South Cass, Koochiching, North St. 
  Louis, South Itasca and North Cass Counties. This includes the 
  Tribal Lands of the Bois Forte Band, Deer Creek and, Nett Lake 
  areas.

* WHEN...Until noon CST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

WIZ002-170000-
/O.NEW.KDLH.WW.Y.0023.211216T1800Z-211217T0000Z/
Bayfield-
Including the cities of Washburn and Bayfield
1112 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Additional snow accumulations up to three
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Bayfield County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the 
  Red Cliff Band.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Main areas of concern along and north of
  Highway 2 from local heavy snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

MNZ012-019>021-034>038-161815-
/O.CON.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake-
Southern Cook-Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-
Including the cities of Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, 
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, 
Pine City, and Hinckley
1112 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST
TODAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch. 
  Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until noon CST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/Duluth
522 
WWUS43 KDLH 161758
WSWDLH

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
1158 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

MNZ010-011-018-025-026-033-161900-
/O.EXP.KDLH.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Koochiching-North St. Louis-North Itasca-North Cass-South Itasca-
South Cass-
Including the cities of International Falls, Ely, Bigfork, 
Walker, Grand Rapids, and Pine River
1158 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT NOON CST TODAY...

Snow is beginning to end in this area, so the warning is being
allowed to expire.

$$

MNZ012-019>021-034>038-161900-
/O.EXP.KDLH.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-211216T1800Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-Central St. Louis-Southern Lake-
Southern Cook-Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-
Including the cities of Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, 
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, 
Pine City, and Hinckley
1158 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON CST TODAY...

Snowfall is beginning to subside through the afternoon, so the
advisory is allowed to expire.

$$

WIZ002-170000-
/O.CON.KDLH.WW.Y.0023.211216T1800Z-211217T0000Z/
Bayfield-
Including the cities of Washburn and Bayfield
1158 AM CST Thu Dec 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one 
  inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Bayfield County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the 
  Red Cliff Band.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Main areas of concern are along and north
  of Highway 2, where the highest local snowfall is expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. 
Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or
511wi.gov for Wisconsin.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/Duluth

The office that day

Everything else NWS Duluth, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 15, 3:56 AM CSTDense Fog AdvisoryDLHAitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca and 4 more16 hr
Dec 15, 3:56 AM CSTHigh Wind WarningDLHAitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Lake and 2 more32 hr
Dec 15, 3:56 AM CSTWind AdvisoryDLHAitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca and 3 more29 hr
Dec 15, 3:57 AM CSTWinter Weather AdvisoryDLHItasca, Koochiching, Saint Louis12 hr
Dec 15, 4:02 AM CSTGale WarningDLH42 hr
Dec 15, 4:02 AM CSTStorm WarningDLH31 hr
Dec 15, 3:31 PM CSTWinter Weather AdvisoryDLHAitkin, Carlton, Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, Pine and 1 more20 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Minnesota, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.