SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Metal carports and awnings are collapsing under the weight of snow and ice accumulating as the second wave of winter weather pushes through the ArkLaTex.
It happened at the Town Oaks South apartment complex off Youree and Bert Kouns Wednesday morning. KTAL Meteorologist Jesse Kelly lives in the area and heard them give way.
“I heard this loud noise and the dog was going crazy and I looked outside and all the carports were collapsing.”
It’s not clear yet how many vehicles were damaged.
The De Soto Parish Sheriff’s Office got so many reports of this happening that they issued a warning on their official Facebook page.
“If you have a metal carport cover/awning for your vehicles, we have seen multiple situations where these have collapsed. We advise to move your vehicles out from under these types of coverings to avoid damage at this time.”
For some, the warning came too late. Several comments in response to the post said theirs had already collapsed, but others were able to move their vehicles before any damage was done.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office also shared a reminder early Wednesday afternoon, along with video of collapsed carports at the River Oaks townhouses in South Shreveport, along with a series of photos of various collapses on cars, trucks, and boats.
Similar reports are coming from Sabine Parish, which shared photos of collapsed carports Wednesday afternoon with a warning.
“We know most of us have our vehicles, farm equipment and other possessions stored under cover to protect them from the weather. We have seen many reports of structures collapsing under the weight of snow and ice. Please check your structures and move items to prevent them from suffering damage.”
Twelve hours of sleet on top of accumulated ice and snow proved to be too much for the covered boat slips at Lake O’ the Pines, sending it crashing down on the boats that could not be pulled out in time.
“This happened very quickly, and could not have been predicted, as our Lake has not EVER seen this low of temperature or this much snow/sleet since the Lake was placed into operation in 1959,” according to a post shared by the Lake O’ the Pines Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. “A HUGE thank you goes out to Mr Cabe Dickson, the hero who risked his safety and his frozen hands, to get as many boats away as possible AND a 93 year old WWII veteran.”
Twelve hours of sleet on top of accumulated ice and snow proved to be too much for the covered boat slips Lake O’ the Pines, sending it crashing down on the boats that could not be pulled out in time. (Source: Lake O’ the Pines • Chamber of Commerce) 
Twelve hours of sleet on top of accumulated ice and snow proved to be too much for the covered boat slips Lake O’ the Pines, sending it crashing down on the boats that could not be pulled out in time. (Source: Lake O’ the Pines • Chamber of Commerce) 
Twelve hours of sleet on top of accumulated ice and snow proved to be too much for the covered boat slips Lake O’ the Pines, sending it crashing down on the boats that could not be pulled out in time. (Source: Lake O’ the Pines • Chamber of Commerce)
Kelley says he expects more collapses of structures like these as the winter mix of snow, sleet and ice continues to move through the region. It could be Saturday before temperatures warm up and the snow and ice begins to melt away.
The Shreveport Fire Department shared some tips on how to stay safe removing snow.
