Worcester DPW Concerned About Potential Flooding When Snow Melts

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Worcester is the Snowiest City in the United States and city officials are already preparing for what could go wrong when all of the snow melts. 

"Department of Public Works and Parks is very concerned about rapid melting and the resulting flooding that could result. This is something we started to think about after the major snow on Jan 26th,"  said Paul Moosey, Worcester's DPW&P Commissioner. 

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, "A midwinter or early spring thaw can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. Because the ground is hard and frozen, water cannot penetrate and be reabsorbed. The water then runs off the surface and flows into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks."

"We are monitoring ground water levels that could consume some of the drainage system capacity and are prepared with sand bags.  Beyond that we are working to keep critical catch basins open. We cannot get to 16 thousand basins but do attend to the ones that have proven critical over time. Lastly we performing regular maintenance on pump stations and their back up power," Moosey said.

MEMA Warns MA Residents of Threat of Roof Collapse

“With the threat of approaching storms, additional snow can add weight and stress to the roofs of structures if not cleared.  Also, for areas that get rain, the dry, fluffy snow piled on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain,” says Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz.  “Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly.”

MEMA is warning Massachusetts residents of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and stressed the importance of recognizing the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. 

According to MEMA, "In some instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow on roofs can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs of both commercial buildings and homes.  Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but are also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.

MEMA's tips to minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow:

•       Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs.

•       If roof snow can be removed, from the ground, with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

•       Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up.  Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.

•       Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.

•       Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.

•       Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.

•       All of the suggested actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. If you are unable to safely remove the snow yourself, hire a qualified professional.

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Related Slideshow: The Worst Snow-Covered Sidewalks and Intersections in Worcester

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