Water Main Break Floods Downtown Erie

Water Main Break Floods Downtown ErieWater Main Break Floods Downtown Erie Erie, PA – A major water main break flooded portions of downtown Erie on Monday morning, prompting evacuations and causing significant disruption. The break occurred at around 6:00 AM on Peach Street between West 4th and West 6th streets. A 12-inch water main burst, sending millions of gallons of water gushing through the streets. Within minutes, the water flooded the surrounding area, rising to waist-high levels in some places. Businesses and homes were inundated, and cars were submerged. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, evacuating residents and businesses. Firefighters used pumps to clear the water from the streets, and crews worked to repair the damaged water main. The flooding caused widespread damage and disruption. Many businesses were forced to close temporarily, and residents faced power outages and limited access to water. The city declared a state of emergency and urged residents to avoid the affected area. Schools in the downtown area were closed, and public transportation was suspended. Authorities estimated that it would take several hours to repair the water main and restore services. They also warned that the water supply in the area could be affected during the repairs. The cause of the water main break is still under investigation. However, officials believe that it was likely due to a combination of aging infrastructure and freezing temperatures. The water main break has highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure maintenance. City officials have vowed to allocate funds to improve the water system and prevent similar incidents in the future.