This just in from Metro Transit:

With today’s forecast calling for more snow, Metro Transit is chaining up buses for afternoon and evening travel. If travel conditions deteriorate, bus riders should expect delays in service.

As with this morning’s commute, some Metro bus routes this afternoon and evening will be on snow reroutes. This means the buses will avoid traveling on hills and areas that are dangerously icy or impassable due to other conditions.

Because weather and road conditions can change quickly, it is hard to predict in advance of the storm which buses will be rerouted

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These are the current trouble spots:

South King County

SR 167, I-5 and I-405 look good.

The ramps to the highways still have some compact snow and ice. Drivers should use caution and watch for slick areas.

SR 900 still has some compact snow and ice.

The biggest challenges in south King County have been SR 516 and SR 518.

We have 18 trucks and 24 people working 12-hour shifts in this area.

Central and North King County

From I-90 to the Snohomish County

…

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A tow truck was able to remove a car found in the Puyallup River on Tuesday night. No one was found inside.

The Federal Way School District has cancelled student-led conferences for Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday.

The district expects all secondary and elementary schools will be in session Thursday and Friday. That is weather permitting, of course.

Like yesterday, state DOT crews are starting to prepare for the evening community because of the expected snow.

The major state roads remain bare and wet. Conditions are good in Pierce County, with no trouble spots. Crews are focusing on trouble areas such ramps, outlying state routes and other icy spots.

Drivers are asked to continue to use caution when out and about. Be prepared for the snow by filling your gas tank before heading out this afternoon, packing extra water and food and considering leaving early or staying late to miss the commute.

DOT says

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The Univesrsity of Washington-Tacoma Education Program’s Professional Education Awards event for tonight has been called off because of the weather conditions.

The ceremony will be rescheduled.

Each year, the Professional Education Awards honor two educators and one school for “exemplary performance” during the previous school year. The winners this year are Chief Leschi School, teacher Cynthia Steward of Truman Middle School and Principal Cindy Johnson of Stanley Elementary School.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has decided to stay closed for a second day because of the snow and ice.

Zoo keepers and maintenance staff are at the zoo to keep the animals fed, watered and warm. Staff will decide Thursday whether to reopen.

Zoolights also will be closed Wednesday night. It was previously scheduled. The holiday lights display is scheduled to reopen Thursday.

TNT assistant features editor Sue Kidd spotted this and sent it along to Lights & Sirens. It comes from the folks at Mr. Rooter of South Puget Sound.

Follow these tips before a freeze occurs:

Insulate your pipes
o Cover faucets and exposed pipes with insulation or wrap thick towels
around them
o The pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic are the most susceptible
to freezing

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