Clear snow off flat roofs, officials warn

Published 2:50 pm Monday, December 22, 2008

Heavy snow on rooftops should be cleared off, officials warned property owners today.

Snow mixed with ice and rain easily can weigh down buildings.

That’s what officials believe happened at an industrial warehouse in Marysville this morning. The build started to fall down, setting off a gas leak. No one was injured.

“It is imperative that the roof and canopy systems be removed of as much snow as possible,” said Christopher Young, an Arlington city building inspector. “It is recommended that all snow be removed as safely as possible and any roof drains be exposed to accommodate drainage.”

Lynnwood Fire Department spokeswoman Marybeth O’Leary said the primary concern is for flat-roofed structures, mostly businesses.

People with pitched roofs shouldn’t have to worry, she said.

“If you aren’t experienced with it, hire a professional,” she said.

Conditions haven’t been this bad in a dozen years, experts said.

In December 1996, heavy snow combined with rain crushed the Edmonds marina.