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Winter Storm Aftermath: Flagstaff city officials warn of roof dangers amid high snow loads
Flagstaff city officials have a warning for people in various parts of Northern Arizona, as high levels of snow following the recent winter storm means there's a danger for roofs to collapse.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Officials with the City of Flagstaff say residents should check their structures for sangs of damage or stress following recent heavy snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service, various parts of Northern Arizona have received above-average snowfall so far this winter. In the Flagstaff area, a winter storm that moved into Flagstaff during the late night hours of Feb. 28 brought 24.5 inches of snow to some areas, as of Mar. 2.
In a statement released on Mar. 4, city officials said several roofs have collapsed within the area due to significant snowfall and resultant snow loads. They say signs of damage or stress from snow load include:
- Sagging ceiling tiles or boards
- Ceiling boards falling out of the ceiling grid
- Sagging sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads
- Sprinkler heads deflecting below suspended ceilings
- Popping, cracking, and creaking noises
- Sagging roof members, including metal decking or plywood sheathing
- Bowing truss bottom chords or web members
- Doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed
- Cracked or split wood members
- Cracks in walls or masonry
- Severe roof leaks
- Excessive accumulation of water at non-drainage locations on low slope roofs
Officials also remind people that when removing snow, icicles can be dislodged, and falling icicles can cause damage or injuries even if they are falling from a short height, and that roof snow can slide at any moment when a snow rake is being used to remove snow.
Officials say Flagstaff or Coconino County residents who see the signs listed above, or feel they have a structural issue, can call the City of Flagstaff/Coconino County Joint Information Line at (928) 679-8525.
This story was reported on from Phoenix.
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(Related Video) Winter Weather: Can Arizona home roofs withstand heavy snowfall?
With parts of the state expecting to see inches more of snow on top of what has already fallen, some may be concerned over whether their home's roof can withstand the weight of all that snow. FOX 10 Meteorologist Krystal Ortiz has more.
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(Courtesy: City of Flagstaff)