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SEATTLE - Thousands of travelers remained stranded by snow Monday across the Pacific Northwest, even though Western Washington is getting a brief break from the heavy snow.

But that won't last long - another round of snow is headed our way Tuesday night.

KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott said accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are possible overnight into Wednesday. Showers will continue during the day on Wednesday but will be more mixed snow and rain as temperatures warm during the day.

While it appeared many people decided to stay home Monday morning, some motorists braved the heavy snow and ice on the slick roads.

Major freeways in central Puget Sound appeared to be in good shape, but dangerous driving conditions continue on many side streets. Many streets are littered with cars and buses stuck in the snow, and even vehicles with chains weren't making it up snow-covered hills. Motorists should brace for a slow drive at best, a treacherous one at the worst.

King County Metro bus service has cancelled half of their routes this morning due to the heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions. Riders can check the Metro Web site for their snow schedule; however, many people report many changes aren't reflected on the site.

Pierce County Transit were operating on snow routes, with some reroutes and delays. Sounder commuter trains were running on holiday schedule. Check Sound Transit for updates.

Latest traffic updates

Late-breaking weather impacts

Thousands stranded at Sea-Tac Airport

The blast of winter stranded thousands of holiday travelers at Sea-Tac Airport over the weekend, with dozens of flights cancelled. Monday morning, only about 25 percent of flights were leaving the airport. Call or check your flight status online before heading to the airport.

Several airlines urged passengers to rebook flights online, from their homes, rather than clog the airport's ticket counters. United, for example, announced that unless you have a confirmed reservation, it's unlikely you'll make it out of Seattle. Many flights were not being rebooked until after Christmas because every flight leaving before then is full.

Bus, train travel

Those traveling by bus aren't faring much better. At least six Greyhound bus routes were cancelled Monday, which could mean another night sleeping at the bus terminal for the dozens of passengers stranded in Seattle.

About 40 passengers were dropped off at the Seattle Center Friday after their driver couldn't make it any farther in the snow. Passengers were told to go to a YMCA shelter. They say they have no idea when they'll be able to catch the next bus out of town. Seattle Police are trying to sort out the mess.

Amtrak has suspended train service from Eugene to British Columbia because of a three railcar derailment in nourished Portland and heavy snow. The derailment of train cars Monday caused the first delays, but weather has cut service as crews work to correct the problem. Rail-line workers are removing fallen trees and heavy snow from the route. Check train status by calling 800-USA-Rail or clicking online at Amtrak.com.

Roofs collapse under snow

The ongoing accumulation of snow is also increasing concerns about the weight being put on flat roofs and other structures.

In Marysville, the roof of a warehouse where mobiles homes are manufactured partially collapsed Monday morning. A gas line was ruptured, but officials say the gas has been turned off and no longer poses a danger. No one was hurt and firefighters have evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution.

In Bellevue, the snow is blamed for the collapse of a temporary tent roof over a skating rink, temporarily trapping 10 people Sunday. One girl suffered minor injuries. The ice rink will be closed until at least Friday.

After a long 36 hours of nonstop snow, Washington got a break Monday.

Snow accumulations between 1-6 inches fell overnight Sunday; that's on top of the widespread snow that fell Saturday night and Sunday, which ranged between 5-19 inches in the lowlands.

Some of the snow totals recorded for the weekend included Seattle 10", Woodinville 13", Olympia 16", Bellingham 12" and Shelton 19".

Marriott said as we head into Wednesday afternoon, we'll have mixed rain and snow showers as temperatures warm up.

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"It does look like a little bit cooler air moves into in the first part of Christmas day, which may bring us some snow, especially south of Seattle Christmas morning," said Marriott. "Then maybe a few sunbreaks with scattered rain or showers in the afternoon."

Friday will see increasing chance of rain and snow, with rain showers over the weekend as temperatures warm up to the upper 30s to low 40s.

KING Meteorologist Rich Marriott

Snow totals around Western Washington

Mountain passes, ski resorts

At the Cascade passes, traction tires were required at Snoqualmie, Stevens and White passes. Snow totals reported were 12 inches at Snoqualmie, 9 inches at Stevens and 11 inches at White.

If you're headed up the mountains to ski, Crystal Mountain reported 6 new inches of snow overnight. Stevens reported 5 inches of new snow and Summit West reported 9 inches. Check ski reports.

Storm shuts down Portland

The ice and snow just doesn't want to release its grip on the Portland metropolitan area.

Road conditions are treacherous this morning after freezing rain coated the snow that fell this weekend. Public safety officials urge people not to drive unless they must.

Interstate 84 between Troutdale and Hood River is closed as are many roads that lead to the coast. Chains are required in the Portland metropolitan area.

The storm led to hundreds of canceled flights at Portland International Airport. Port of Portland officials ask travelers to check the status of their flight before making the trip to the airport today.

Greyhound bus service out of Portland was canceled, with no decisions on further service expected until later this morning.

Click here for more on Portland snow

Eastern Washington/Idaho

The National Weather Service says snowy, icy weather will continue this week for Eastern Washington.

Another significant snow storm is possible Wednesday from the Cascades into Northern Idaho, with snow up to 12 inches expected, and temperatures will remain below freezing through the week.