Getting cranked up

Shortly before daybreak the center of low pressure was winding up in central Iowa. This storm still has plenty of energy and is likely to strengthen. Snow on the radar has shown breaks just south of the Twin Cities, but will fill-in this morning.

Several more inches of additional accumulation are likely throughout the day. Travel is expected to be extremely difficult outside the metro area including heading into Wisconsin. Blizzard Warnings may need to be extended further east in Minnesota this afternoon.

Here is an IR satellite image from about 530am this morning. The enhanced clouds indcate strong vertical motion and deep moisture. This is aimed at the southern half of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Here's a more detailed look at the storm as gathered by the NWS in Chanhassen.