SEATTLE -- Western Washington residents braced for another strong winter storm Tuesday that was expected to bring gusty winds, snow and much colder temperatures.

"We'll see the weather change very quickly today in a way that will take many of us by surprise -- even in this incredible winter we're having," said KIRO 7 Eyewitness News chief meteorologist Andy Wappler.

"First, we'll have another shot of rain move through, then rapidly see the winds pick up, and last, a sharp drop in temperatures tonight that will likely bring snow by (Wednesday) morning."

A very strong cold front from the Gulf of Alaska will be moving in on Tuesday, bringing the rain and wind.

"After the cold front moves by, we'll be in the middle of a pool of very cool air that will change the rain to snow tonight," he said.

"Later, on Wednesday, a second Arctic front will arrive that will drop the temperatures even further, and bring another round of snow showers tomorrow afternoon. In all, we'll see anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow, with some areas getting more."

Whatever snow does fall is likely to stick around for a while, as our daytime temperatures will be only near freezing or lower for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Department of Transportation crews planned to put sand on highways Tuesday night and Wednesday.

A D.O.T. representative said 25 trucks will put sand on about 1,300 lane miles of road.

Video: Workers Prepare For Storm

"I expect we're going to see problems in the east section, North Bend, Tiger Mountain, the Highway 18 area," said Jim McBride. "Typically, those areas get hit a little sooner."

McBride said commuters should have plenty of gas and bring warm clothes, flashlights and chains for their vehicles.

The state Transportation Department has canceled construction projects Tuesday night and Wednesday in the Seattle area.

Crews with the Seattle Department of Transportation were planning to apply anti-icing agents to elevated roadways, such as the West Seattle Bridge and Alaskan Way Viaduct. Road closure signs were positioned along steep neighborhood streets, a spokesman said.

The city of Seattle urged people to take precautions against frozen pipes and power outages.