logo
‘Snow is acting like a sponge:' firefighters respond to ‘unprecedented' number of building collapses across Oswego, Oneida counties

‘Snow is acting like a sponge:' firefighters respond to ‘unprecedented' number of building collapses across Oswego, Oneida counties

Yahoo26-02-2025

SCRIBA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — 'Like a crashing, a snapping,' Kelly Darling remembers. 'Really loud noises. Enough to scare me.'
Darling got out of the home she and her late husband built in the early 1990s and called 911.
Once the fire department was there, the sound got worse. The garage came crashing down.
'They got up into the roof and said 'Yeah, damage from years and years of snow,'' Darling said of the firefighter's diagnoses.
Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws took NewsChannel 9 into the damage.
He showed what's called the gusset plates which are designed to hold truss joints together. The weight of the snow forced them to fail.
Darling's home is one of more than 50 that emergency crews have responded to since Feb. 14. The number in Oneida County is at least 34.
Oswego County called in firefighting help from the State's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Deputy State Fire Administration Patrick Hines said, 'One of our members earlier alluded to this as a collapse equivalent of a flash flood. Normally, it's one or two buildings. This is just so many structures all being comprised simultaneously. The volume of work is what strikes me.'
He said the accumulating snow, the thaw and the rain put too much pressure on aging structures.
'Snow is acting like a sponge,' said Hines, 'absorbing all the moisture.'
He added: 'Structures are like the human body. They have a life span. As we get older, we get weaker. Structures are the same way. Repetitive loads over time, the structure can only take it for so long.'
One foot of fluffy snow on a house roof is about the same load as a pick-up truck. Wet snow, like what falls from lake-effect, is the equivalent of three trucks.
The biggest advice from first responders is to evacuate the structure when you hear it creaking or snapping.
Oswego County offering help to residents with snow removal
House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agenda
US consumer confidence drops by most since August 2021
WATCH: Officers cut open man's 'narco wig' at Colombian airport to reveal cocaine
Hochul releases 30-day amendments on prison bodycams and closures
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Cooler' morning, heavy storms return for the afternoon
‘Cooler' morning, heavy storms return for the afternoon

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

‘Cooler' morning, heavy storms return for the afternoon

The rainfall from yesterday has lead to a slightly cooler and less muggy morning in Acadiana. Temperatures are in the 60s to lower 70s to start the day. Hot and sticky conditions quickly return by the afternoon as highs near 90°. More heavy showers and storms are expected after 2 p.m. as rain chances increase to 70%. Expect more of the same for tomorrow too. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now House GOP advances first 2026 funding bill out of committee Investigators believe they spotted Travis Decker hiking in Washington. Here's what to know Taylor Swift gets temporary restraining order against Colorado man: 'Fear for my safety' New image in search for newborn abducted by fake social worker 40 years ago Misinformation rages as protests roil Los Angeles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sullivan provides aid to families following Linton tornado
Sullivan provides aid to families following Linton tornado

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Yahoo

Sullivan provides aid to families following Linton tornado

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. — Today, friends over in Sullivan County were helping give back to help those recently impacted by the tornado in Greene County. The Sullivan County Republican Party held a fundraiser earlier this morning to raise proceeds to help support those in need. Over at Acorn Ridge, many people came out to help support the victims impacted the most. Chairman of the GOP say they plan to donate all of the proceeds from the event, directly to tornado victims. 'You know when we had the tornado here, Linton sent the boys over, from the football team and all the Linton residents came over and helped and we're glad to be able to give back,' said Mason. You can help by giving back and donating to those in need after the recent tornado in Linton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

NEW: Air Quality Alert extended through Sunday
NEW: Air Quality Alert extended through Sunday

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Yahoo

NEW: Air Quality Alert extended through Sunday

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Smoke from Canadian wildfires will continue to reduce our air quality here in Central New York through the remainder of the weekend. An Air Quality Alert remains in effect until midnight Sunday night for all of CNY. Latest weather alerts The Air Quality Index (AQI) is over 100 as of Saturday afternoon, and is expected to stay over 100 through Sunday. Generally, the higher the AQI, the greater the potential impact on outdoor air to one's health. Those with heart or lung disease are most likely to be negatively impacted, along with older adults and the very young. It is recommended that while the alert is in effect that these groups limit the amount of time spent active outdoors, and try to avoid any strenuous outdoor activities. Luckily, the wildfire smoke looks to move out on Monday. Stay with the NewsChannel 9 Storm Team for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store