Conn. roof collapses increase; machinery arriving

He said the number of reported roof collapses across Connecticut had grown to at least 16 by early evening, up from five collapses Monday morning. The state has been calling school superintendents to warn them, he said.

"Schools are important resources. Please get somebody up on the roof," Malloy said during an evening briefing in Hartford. "At the very least, make sure that the drains are clear and working. We don't want a tragedy to occur at one of our school buildings."

He also urged homeowners to clear their roofs if necessary, adding that some of the collapses occurred in residential structures.

Malloy traveled the state Monday to get a first-hand look at the storm's wrath. He said the state is sending resources, such as heavy machinery, pay loaders and massive snow blowers, to hard-hit municipalities to help them with snow removal.

The state is seeking assets from other state Transportation Departments to deal with the cleanup as well as to prepare for another storm that forecasters say could hit the state this week. Also, the Connecticut National Guard is seeking assistance from other guard units.

Bill Shea, deputy commissioner at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said 25 out-of-state National Guard soldiers with six excavators were expected to arrive in Connecticut on Monday evening. An additional 28 guardsmen from Pennsylvania were scheduled to arrive Tuesday to help the 250 Connecticut guard members on duty clear snow.