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Winter storm to bring heavy snow, high winds to Northland

KAXE
Published February 17, 2026 at 2:43 PM CST
Snow falls during a Minnesota snowstorm.
Contributed
/
Jacob Norlund via Flickr
Snow falls during a Minnesota snowstorm.

Winter storms will spread from North Dakota to the Arrowhead Feb. 17-19, 2026, bringing gusty winds and wet, heavy snow.

Gusty winds and a wet, heavy snow are expected to impact the Northland beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Periods of rain will transition to snow between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with heavier snow totals expected north of Highway 2.

Easterly winds up to 30 mph may create blizzard-like conditions along and north of Highway 2.

A National Weather Service spokesperson stated that the area where the rain/snow line converges will determine which area sees the greatest snow accumulation.

Winter storm watch and warnings in effect in northwest Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
1 of 4  — Feb17_wwa.png
Winter storm watch and warnings in effect in northwest Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
Contributed / National Weather Service
Winter storm watch and warnings in effect in northeastern Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
2 of 4  — Watches and warnings Feb. 17 2026
Winter storm watch and warnings in effect in northeastern Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
Contributed / National Weather Service
Snow total estimates for northwest Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026. The red circle represents the area of greatest uncertainty.
3 of 4  — Feb 17 2026 winter storm
Snow total estimates for northwest Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026. The red circle represents the area of greatest uncertainty.
Contributed / National Weather Service
Snow total estimates in northeast Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
4 of 4  — Snow estimates Arrowhead Feb. 17 2026
Snow total estimates in northeast Minnesota as of the afternoon of Feb. 17, 2026.
Contributed / National Weather Service

Along the Arrowhead, heavy snow could fall as fast as one inch per hour starting Tuesday night through midday Wednesday, with gusts exceeding 45 mph at times.

Blizzard conditions are expected in the higher terrain of the North Shore beginning at midnight through noon Wednesday.

As the snow is expected to be heavily saturated with moisture, those with medical conditions should take frequent breaks while shoveling to avoid injury.

A graphic depicting how to "shovel smart" to avoid injury and heart attacks.
Contributed
/
National Weather Service
A graphic depicting how to "shovel smart" to avoid injury and heart attacks.
Tags
Local News Minnesota WeatherweatherwinterArrowheadNorthwest MinnesotaKAXE
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