‘This Is A Cluster’: Massive Water Main Break Floods East Loop

A massive water main break flooded part of the East Loop Thursday.

Parts of the city were left without water and drivers were left stranded standing on their cars to stay dry, as a massive water main break flooded a swath of the East Loop Thursday.

The 96-inch water main near Fidelity and north Carolina streets in the Galena Park area broke just after noon Thursday and flowed onto the southbound lanes near the Ship Channel Bridge, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Texas Highway 225 at 610 was also shut down, Gonzalez added.

Major disruption to ship channel main lanes. Traffic shutdown both sides. Multiple agencies assisting with mobility. Several cars flooded, all occupants are out. Avoid the area. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/3N1tovNlDY

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) February 27, 2020

Water was out across the city, with reports of outages at Rice Village and in Montrose, as well as at the University of Houston. The Houston Zoo announced it was closed for the day, and was working with the city to see if it could reopen Friday.

The Houston Police Department dispatched high-water vehicles and additional personnel, and advised drivers to avoid the area.

This is a cluster, but we will get it worked out. I’m out here with our units, plus @houstonpolice @HoustonFire. 225 is shutdown at 610. Some businesses about a mile down are reporting no water service #HouNews https://t.co/uehpjZz02k pic.twitter.com/kyZICytihb

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) February 27, 2020