Ice Storm — Southern Cook, Minnesota

2022-11-10 · Southern Cook, Minnesota

Event narrative

Heavy freezing rain was received across Cook County on the 10th. Reports of 0.20 to 0.25 inches of ice accumulation were reported with a high amount of 0.25 inches near Grand Marais.

Wider weather episode

A strong Colorado low brought anomalously high moisture to the region on the 10th. Most of the Northland received heavy rainfall that changed over to snow, but Cook County at the tip of the Minnesota Arrowhead received a prolonged period of freezing rain with cold air trapped at the surface as warm air off Lake Superior moved overhead. Freezing rain accumulations of 0.20 to 0.35 inches were received from areas near Lake Superior and up the Gunflint Trail with most falling during the afternoon and early evening hours before ending. In addition to the freezing rain, easterly winds gusting to 45 to 55 mph in the Duluth area led to many reports of trees and power lines brought down by the winds that were accompanied by heavy rainfall that led to saturated soil. The winds also generated damaging waves on Lake Superior in the Duluth area that disrupted ongoing restoration and mitigation work caused by past storms in addition to causing new damage as well.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1065064. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.