HFD rescues 3 people after massive water main break floods East Loop, causes widespread water outage

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A massive water main break is causing major flooding in east Houston and water pressure problems in several neighborhoods. 

A City of Houston contractor caused the 96-inch water line to burst when soil was moved during work on a city project, according to AlertHouston.

 The northbound and southbound lanes of the East Loop are closed because of high water near Clinton and traffic is backed up for miles. 225 is also shut down.

Many drivers were caught off-guard as the water rose quickly and some were stranded on tops of their cars. The Houston Fire Department rescued three people and searched and cleared 12 vehicles.

“This is a cluster, but we will get it worked out,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted.

The rushing water is also threatening nearby homes and businesses. 

The eight-foot water main break has left people all over the city without water, including Midtown, Montrose, The Museum District, The Heights, Timbergrove and the Memorial Park area.

Some fire departments are experiencing low water pressure, according to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office.

The University of Houston’s main campus is closed for the day because the water is out. 

Some businesses, The Houston Zoo and the Museum of Natural Science are also closed.

“Valve contractors are in the area to isolate the break and make immediate repairs,” HoustonAlert reported. “Once the valves are closed, pressure should be restored.”

The City of Houston is asking all residents to conserve water by turning off sprinklers and delaying laundry and washing cars.

We’re told there are no water problems at Bush and Hobby airports or at NRG Park where the BBQ cookoff is underway.

If you have questions about the water main break text “Water” to 713-526-1111.

Stay with KHOU.com and our mobile news app for the very latest on this breaking story.  

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