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The Weight Of Rain

BOSTON (CBS) -- First it was snow, then it was rain, then it was roof collapses. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reports there have been 35 roof collapses, most of them in eastern Massachusetts.

The weight of the snow and rain has caused quite a few problems with buildings around the region.

The typical roof can handle 40 pounds per square foot.

WBZ meteorologist Joe Joyce explains the weight of rain

According to WBZ meteorologist Joe Joyce the current snowpack has about three to six inches of water in it.

Based on the calculation of one inch of rain equals fives pounds per square foot, the current snowpack has about 15 to 30 pounds per square foot.

While this is still on the safe side for many roofs, there are plenty that haven't been able to handle the weight.

To read more about some of those, click here.

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