MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Snow-lovers have something to hope for after what has been a snow-starved winter so far.

A system moving into Minnesota will bring snow into the Twin Cities starting late Monday night.

Snow will fall most heavily during the Tuesday morning commute, with totals falling between 2 to 5 inches in the metro. That might not sound like much, but a 4-inch snowfall in the Twin Cities would be the biggest total of the season.

St. Louis Park has already declared a snow emergency, starting at 4 a.m.

Snow totals look to be greater in other areas. From Montevideo in the west to Duluth in the northeast, up to 6 inches of snow could fall.

However, what follows the snow will likely cause more problems than flakes themselves.

Strong northwesterly winds will kick up as the snow tapers off around noon. Gusts up to 45 mph will cause whiteout conditions in west central and south central Minnesota, where there are already blizzard warnings in effect.

Blowing snow is expected to greatly reduce visibility, making for difficult commutes both during the morning and afternoon.

If you can avoid driving in the warned counties, please do.

Winter Resources: School Closings

The Minnesota State Patrol says of the 3 inches or greater snow events in the metro this season, they responded to an average of 587 crashes and 340 vehicle spin-outs or vehicles off the road.

If you have to be on the roads, drive slowly and take extra caution.

Following Tuesday’s snow will come an arctic chill. On Wednesday, the lows may dip below zero.