With more snow, and possibly sleet and rain, in the forecast for Delaware starting Tuesday and going into Wednesday, emergency management officials are urging residents to clear snow from roofs, particularly flat roofs.
Exhaust vents should be kept clear of snow as well. Down spouts should be cleared of any snow and ice that might have drifted over or clogged ground level openings.
Residents are reminded that the large amount of snow accumulated Feb. 5-6 will be made heavier by additional snow, sleet or rain and could cause roofs to collapse. By keeping down spouts clear, melting snow and rain can better drain from flat roofs, but clearing as much remaining snow as possible prior to additional accumulation is important.
Heavy snow storms in past years, such as the Presidents’ Weekend storm of 2003, resulted in major accumulation on roofs and led to several serious roof and building collapses of commercial and residential properties. For the safety of the public and preservation of property, it is very important to find means of safely clearing as much snow as possible from roofs.
Presently, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Delaware for Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday evening, and they are predicting a potential for 6 to 12 inches. There is the possibility that precipitation will be heavier in the northern end of the state for this storm. However, even if it starts as a rain/snow mix in southern Delaware and along the coast, it is forecast to turn to all snow later in the storm.
Everyone is instructed to be aware of weather conditions and act accordingly to be safe and to protect property.
