Alex Solomon

Juneau City and tribal governments issued the disaster declaration Tuesday, requesting help from the state to clear more than four feet of snow that started falling just after Christmas.

The city's emergency programs manager, Ryan O'Shaughnessy, says one of his main concerns is that the snow could collapse the roofs of public buildings, like schools, water treatment plants, and the hospital.

Some roofs across town have already caved in, and several boats have sunk in Juneau's harbors.

Ahead of expected heavy rain, some streets are already flooding as temperatures warm and snow and ice clog storm drains.

For NPR News, I'm Alex Solomon in Juneau.