Road crews continue to fight snow with plows and salt and sand. Now they are preparing for the addition of cold winds out of the north.

The National Weather Service forecasts an additional two to six inches of snow in Pierce County. The snow will come in bands as marine air moves inland and at times will be quite heavy. Around 7 p.m. tonight, very cold, dry air is expected to move down from Canada. Forecasts are for sustained 10 to 30 mph winds out of the north with possible stronger gusts.

The addition of winds to snow-laden trees could result in breaking limbs, falling trees, and power outages. Public Works and Utilities crews are adding equipment to their snow response vehicles to be prepared to clear storm debris from county roads.

Executive Pat McCarthy has been briefed on weather and road conditions, which are expected to deteriorate throughout the afternoon.

Public Works and Utilities road crews are already in 24-hour response mode and will continue plowing and applying salt and sand. There are 28 plow and sand vehicles operating around the clock to keep county lifelines and arterials open.

The department reminds the traveling public that downed power lines are dangerous. Residents should not try to cut trees or limbs growing in or near power lines. Drivers should not drive over downed power lines which could still be electrified. And as always, take extra precautions when driving in winter weather.