Watertown Home Depot Temporarily Closes After Heavy Snow Accumulates on Roof

The Home Depot on Arsenal Street in Watertown temporarily closed after significant snow accumulated on the building’s roof, halting sales and frustrating workers and tradespeople who relied on the store for post-storm supplies. The shutdown was reported Jan. 28, 2026 and left contractors and customers scrambling for alternatives as municipal crews continued cleanup.

A Home Depot spokesperson told WBZ, “We saw significant snow accumulation on the roof and temporarily closed the store out of an abundance of caution. We're working closely with city officials to remove the snow and make sure everyone can work and shop safely. We hope to have an update on a reopening time soon.” The company framed the closure as a precaution while crews address the rooftop load and safety concerns.

Local reporting further attributed a different detail to a store employee, who said the location was “closed due to damage to its roof caused by the weight of accumulated snow.” That account has not been confirmed by a structural engineer or city building inspector in a public release, and Home Depot’s corporate statement emphasized removal and safety coordination with city officials rather than a finalized damage assessment.

The closure had immediate consequences for workers and the contractor community. Brandon Bannon, an electrician with the city of Watertown who had planned to pick up materials, said, “The snow is just causing a lot of problems.” Tradespeople who rely on big-box inventory for emergency repairs and routine jobs faced delays or had to source parts from smaller retailers or redistributed stock at other locations.

City public works crews were reported to be clearing streets and sidewalks as residents and businesses navigated icy roads and snow-packed walkways days after the storm. Local social posts and community outlets amplified the store’s closure, with customers reporting they could not obtain generators, salt, lumber, or other storm-related supplies at the Arsenal Street location.

For store employees the immediate priorities are workplace safety and clear direction on schedules. A precautionary closure reduces on-site risk but can also disrupt pay and shift patterns for hourly associates. Home Depot said it was coordinating with city officials and promised an update on reopening, but did not provide a timeline. The company did not report any injuries tied to the closure in its public statement.

As municipalities in the Greater Boston area continue post-storm operations, the Watertown closure highlights how heavy roof snow can ripple through supply chains and local work schedules. Customers and contractors should monitor official updates from Home Depot and Watertown public works for reopening or inspection notices. For employees and tradespeople, the coming days will determine whether this becomes a short-term disruption or requires longer repairs and scheduling adjustments.