OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) A northeast Kansas department store has been evacuated because the heavy snow accumulation on its roof is causing safety concerns.
The Overland Park Fire Department said workers noticed sagging ceiling tiles at the Macy’s store at Metcalf South Shopping Center and called around 10 a.m. Wednesday. Firefighters found 3 feet to 4 feet of wet snow on the roof.
Both levels of the store were evacuated while a structural engineer and the city’s building safety staff examined the roof. They determined the problem was localized to a specific area, but snow needed to be cleared to allow for a more thorough evaluation.
The store will remain closed until the assessment is complete.
Experts are urging businesses to evaluate the safety of their roofs, particularly flat ones, after the recent snow.