Heavy snow causing structural concerns for roofs in southern Minnesota
(FOX 9) - Sunday's blizzard left large snow drifts on many roofs in southern Minnesota, prompting businesses and schools in the area to close over structural concerns.
In Claremont, about 30 miles west of Rochester, the U.S. Post Office closed on Wednesday due to "excessive snow causing structural safety issues," according to a statement. People will not be able to retrieve mail or packages that were in the facility when it closed until after a structural engineer deems the building safe to enter.
P.O. Box delivery, street delivery and retail services have been relocated to the post office about 15 miles away in Kasson for the time being.
Thursday Byron Middle School in Byron, around 10 miles west of Rochester, dismissed students early over structural concerns regarding the school's roof.
On Wednesday, Gage Elementary School in Rochester faced similar issues. Student were let out at noon after a custodian noticed a slight bow in the ceiling tiles on one end of the school. A structural engineer was called in to assess the roof.
The school remained closed Thursday as crews were still removing snow from the roof.