Snow, ice cause roof collapses in Dexter

DEXTER, Mo. -- In a strip of stores at One Mile Road and Business 60 in Dexter, at least three local businesses were destroyed when their flat roofs collapsed about 7:30 a.m. Saturday under the weight of the wet snow and ice.

The roof collapsed on the El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant and the adjoining Show Me Rent to Own store. The extent of damage to neighboring businesses, including Pretty Nails, Discount Liquor and the Dollar General Store remains uncertain.

Police cordoned off the entire strip of stores and the parking lot, as well as the rear of the buildings.

A service station in downtown Dexter suffered significant damage early Saturday when the weight of the snow and ice also proved too much for the awning to bear at Huber's on West Stoddard Street. When the awning collapsed under the weight of the snow, it split the awning, with the point crashing down directly between the pumps.

That area, as well, was cordoned off, but the wreckage sits only feet off the main downtown Dexter street on its south side.

The weight of snow and ice on the awning over the pumps took their toll Saturday morning at Huber's gas station in downtown Dexter, Missouri. (Daily Statesman)