State Warns Of Stress On Roofs From Relentless Snowfall

BOSTON (CBS/AP) - Massachusetts officials are stepping up warnings about the potential for roofs to collapse under the weight of snow that has built up in recent weeks.

Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Gatzunis said Tuesday that owners of residential and commercial buildings should be aware of signs of stress on roofs, including ceilings that are sagging or developing cracks.

Other signs could include popping or cracking sounds from the roof or attic area, and doors or windows that either won't open or suddenly open on their own.
Numerous partial roof collapses have been reported in the state but no serious injuries to date.

Emergency crews responded to a collapse at the Royal Crest condos just off Main Street Tuesday night. Nobody was hurt but the building has been sealed off. People living in adjacent buildings were evacuated as well.

In Hyde Park, people were shoveling off their awnings after snow brought down a small entrance-way roof. One person was taken to the hospital.

MEMA says there have been more than 44 building collapses in Eastern Massachusetts in the past 48 hours.

While most of the snow has fallen so far has been powdery, Gatzunis says any rain or wet snow in the future could dramatically add to the weight on roofs.

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