Massive water main break causes widespread water outages; 3 rescued after East Loop floods
HOUSTON — A massive water main break is causing major flooding in east Houston and water pressure problems in several neighborhoods.
The Houston Health Department is warning all food service establishments without water or flushing toilets to cease operations immediately.
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 and Texas Medical Center facilities are experiencing low or no water pressure.
RELATED: What schools or businesses are closed or experiencing no water due to the main break?
However, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said based on reports, water did not infiltrate anyone’s home.
A City of Houston contractor caused the water line to burst when soil was moved during work on a city project, according to AlertHouston.
“Contractors are on site isolating the break and draining the lines. This will take several hours,” Turner tweeted. “The water pressure will be low throughout a large segment of the city including downtown.”
The northbound and southbound lanes of the East Loop remain 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 11 vehicles.
The University of Houston’s main campus and TSU are closed for the rest of the day because of water issues.
RELATED: What schools or businesses are closed or experiencing no water due to the main break?
Some businesses, The Houston Zoo and the Museum of Natural Science are also closed. Parts of NRG Park are affected, but it’s not clear if it will impact the BBQ cookoff.
Early voting locations at HCC Southeast and Young Library are shutting down. Find alternate locations.
The City of Houston is asking all residents to conserve water for the rest of the day.
“This is a cluster, but we will get it worked out,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted.
We’re told there are no water problems at Bush and Hobby airports.
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.
ALSO POPULAR ON KHOU.COM
Send us a news tip | Download our app | #HTownRush Newsletter