Snow is falling in parts of Pierce County. Here’s how schools, roads are being affected
Snow and ice were beginning to impact Pierce County starting on Thursday afternoon. The News Tribune is tracking road conditions and school closures and will update this article with more information as it comes out.
National Weather Service meteorologist Logan Howard told The News Tribune at about 4:50 p.m. that the Tacoma area is expected to get “a little bit of a break here shortly” in the precipitation before another round of snow totaling about an inch tonight, some mixed with rain. Temperatures will hover around freezing.
It’s not expected to get icy tomorrow morning.
“Luckily we’re not expecting any freezing rain,” he said.
The rest of Friday looks mostly dry, followed by more rain Saturday afternoon into Sunday, according to Howard.
Road Conditions
▪ The City of Tacoma reported on Facebook: “Our Street Operations crews have de-iced citywide in advance of freezing temperatures and snow in our forecast. Starting again at 12 AM on Friday, Feb. 14, 3 de-icing trucks will be deployed, and additional snow equipment is ready, if needed.” Residents can find the snow routes map here.
▪ The City of Lakewood reported on Facebook: “The roads are bare and wet and our teams are out driving around assessing conditions, clearing where needed and applying salt. As the temperatures drop tonight slow down for conditions and give extra following distance.”
▪ WSDOT reported on X: “We’re starting to see snow in parts of Thurston and Pierce counties. Here’s a look at I-5 near Maytown. If you plan to travel this afternoon, please take it slow. Remember, speed limits are for ideal conditions. Snow is not an ideal condition.”
▪ Joint Base Lewis-McChord reported on X: “Road Conditions on JBLM are AMBER due to several roadways accumulating snow, patches of ice and degraded traffic patterns. Commuters should plan accordingly. Add extra time for travel, decrease speed, and increase following distance for a safe commute.”
School impacts
▪ Clover Park School District: High School activities and athletics will be completed by 5 p.m. Activity buses will transport students home. Middle schools will dismiss on time with no after-school activities or athletics. Elementary Schools will dismiss on time. All district-wide evening events, including PTA events, are canceled today.
▪ Pierce College: Afternoon and evening activities canceled. Closing at 4 p.m. Any class that ends after 4 p.m. is canceled.
▪ Clover Park Tech College: Afternoon and evening activities are canceled. Both campuses will close at 4 p.m. today. All classes and operations are canceled.
▪ Pacific Lutheran University: Closed as of 4:15 p.m. Main campus evening classes and activities are canceled starting at 5:30 p.m.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 3:15 PM.