With more snow, and possibly sleet and rain, in the forecast for Delaware starting Feb. 9 and going into Feb. 10, emergency management officials are urging residents to clear snow from roofs, particularly flat roofs.
Exhaust vents should be kept clear of snow as well. Down spouts should be cleared of any snow and ice that might have drifted over or clogged ground level openings, said Delaware Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Rosanne Pack.
Residents are reminded the large amount of snow accumulated Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 will be made heavier by additional snow, sleet or rain. By keeping down spouts clear, melting snow and rain can better drain from flat roofs, but clearing as much remaining snow as possible prior to additional accumulation is important.
Heavy snow storms in past years, such as the Presidents Day weekend storm of 2003, resulted in major accumulation and led to several serious roof and building collapses of commercial and residential properties. For the safety of the public and preservation of property, it is very important to find means of safely clearing as much snow as possible from roofs, Pack said.
Presently, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Delaware and is predicting a potential for 6 to 12 inches. There is the possibility that precipitation will be heavier in the northern end of the state for this storm. However, even if it starts as a rain/snow mix in southern Delaware and along the coast, it is forecast to turn to all snow later in the storm, Pack said.
