Multiple structure collapses across Texoma due to ice weight

Whitesboro fire officials say the weight of the ice has surpassed what many buildings were designed to support, leading to several structural collapses across the Texoma region. Residents are being urged to park vehicles in open areas to reduce the risk of damage if a structure were to collapse.

According to officials, once the ice buildup becomes too heavy, structures can no longer hold the load and begin to fail. Several boat docks have collapsed at Eisenhower Marina, along with other structures such as a barn in Whitesboro and additional buildings in Pottsboro. Fire officials also reported rescuing five horses Saturday night after a structure collapsed along Highway 377.

These incidents aren’t isolated. Similar collapses have been reported throughout the area, including marinas in Denison, barns in Pottsboro, buildings at the Gainesville Zoo, and numerous carports across the region. Officials say nearly any type of structure can be affected depending on its design, but they’re seeing the most problems with large, open-span metal buildings. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable because ice has nowhere to slide off.