EVERETT – The National Weather Service issued a special statement this afternoon warning that a combination of melting snow and rain coupled with freezing temperatures at night could stress flat roofs.
Today’s snow is expected to change over to rain and then freeze tonight. That’s a bad combination for anyone with a flat roof, the statement warns.
Snow on the roof will soak up the rainfall and freeze in place, potentially adding a dangerous amount of stress to flat roofs. The process will likely repeat again Christmas Day.
“This process will be a messy one with several unusual hazards for this area cropping up,” the statement said.
Western Washington is expected to make a slow transition back to its normal soggy, gray self during the next four days. Beginning Friday, expect rain with highs in the lower to mid 40s.
As the temperatures begin to climb on Friday and snow melts, another hazard is expected to crop up: urban flooding as frozen storm drains start carrying melt water.
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