Wintry Mix This Weekend Could Exacerbate Roof Collapse Problems in Lexington

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By Les Masterson (Patch Staff)

We have gotten used to record-breaking snowfall over the past month in Massachusetts, but another form of precipitation may exacerbate roof collapse problems this weekend.

The National Weather Service said snow is expected to start for most of Eastern and Central Massachusetts during Saturday afternoon. It’s expected to end by late Saturday night or early Sunday morning after dropping 4 inches or less on Eastern and Central Massachusetts.

That’s when things may get dicey.

The snow will change over to ice and rain overnight. Up to an inch of rain is possible on Sunday. The precipitation may turn back to ice or snow before ending at noontime on Sunday.

The rainfall could cause roof collapse and flooded roadways. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency “strongly encouraged” residents and businesses to remove snow and ice from roofs before this weekend’s wintry mix.”

Flat roofs could be especially problematic on Sunday.

MEMA said there have been more than 100 full or partial roof collapses reported over the past week. In Westford Friday, a barn collapsed, trapping five horses.

The state Department of Fire Services has also received “numerous reports of gas leaks and fires caused by snow and icicles falling on gas piping and meters,” said MEMA.

Check MEMA’s Roof Collapse Safety page that includes information about how to safely clear snow and ice from roofs, how to recognize roof problems and safety tips.

Once the precipitation ends on Sunday, temperatures will drop with bitterly cold air and dangerous wind chills expected to return on Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The next chance for precipitation after this weekend is on Tuesday night and Wednesday. The NWS said there is a “chance of additional significant snowfall” from that storm, but it’s still too early to know.