More snow and cold temperatures ahead

Don't expect any immediate relief to the bitter cold and icy, treacherous conditions facing Western Washington.

Bitter cold — and the likelihood of round of snowfall — are expected for the next couple of days.

Although Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to be least partly sunny, temperatures are expected to stay below freezing until nearly midday Thanksgiving Day, according to a "winter weather advisory" from the National Weather Service.

Tuesday's forecast high in the Seattle area is 24 degrees, dipping to 13 degrees Tuesday night and topping out just below freezing on Wednesday.

Clouds are forecast to return Wednesday evening, bringing a 60 percent chance of snow, although accumulations are expected to be a half-inch or less.

Another half-inch of snow could fall on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Weather Service, but showers are expected to turn to rain by about 10 a.m. Thursday in the Seattle area.

Warmer, wetter weather is on the way for the latter part of the holiday weekend, with high temperatures ranging into the 40s and rain expected each day.

The freeze overnight has caused a very slick commute in the Seattle area Tuesday morning. Drivers are being cautioned that if they don't absolutely have to go out, stay home.

Streets, roads and highways in the area are slick because snow from overnight froze, making compact snow and ice, and causing cars and trucks to spin out throughout the area.

Schools are closed in many areas, including Seattle Schools. The University of Washington has canceled operations and classes Tuesday at its Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell campuses.

King County Metro buses are operating on snow routes Tuesday morning and some routes have been canceled because of the slippery conditions. Metro officials are also urging people in general to stay home and off the roads if they can.

The Associated Press is reporting that tens of thousands of customers in the Puget Sound area are without power due to the storm that passed through the area Sunday and Monday.