UPDATE Wednesday @ 7:55 p.m.

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A lot of people hit the Huntington Mall to find shelter from the storm.

Power outages at home forcing them to flee in search of warmth and something to eat, but the mall is battling its own problems.

Water damage has forced many businesses to shut down.

The Mall’s Management would not allow WSAZ on the property with our camera so I went in as a customer.

What I found was a mess.

A leaking roof has affected roughly 50 stores inside, forcing some to close.

Mall Management said the building is 28 years old, and like a lot of businesses under a flat roof, the weight of heavy snow, ice, and water is a strain.

For some customers who traveled to get out of the cold, it was a disappointing shock.

“We just went to get something to eat, we have no power,” one woman said.

Another customer said he was not surprised by the leaks, “they've had trouble with the roof before, and it doesn't surprise me. I’ve been over there before with water running in, it’s not unexpected.”

The Public Works Director says they've gotten several calls from businesses dealing with heavy snow on roof tops.

We have also learned the Foodfair in Ashland has had leaking because of the heavy wet, load on its roof.

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ORIGINAL STORY
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Some 50 stores at the Huntington Mall are experiencing water problems today.