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Massive water main break floods North Park streets, leaves cars partially submerged

Water main break floods North Park streets
Posted at 8:08 AM, Oct 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-05 02:44:25-04

SAN DIEGO - A massive water main break flooded numerous streets in North Park and left many vehicles partially submerged Thursday morning.

San Diego water officials said a 24-inch transmission water main broke shortly before 7:30 a.m. in the 4100 block of Idaho Street, near Polk Avenue and the North Park Community Park.

Several San Diego water department crews were dispatched to various nearby areas to repair the break. Water flow was shut off by 10 a.m.

Officials said repairs were expected to continue through the evening.

PHOTOS: Water main break in North Park leads to flooding

City officials noted that the broken main is not linked to water meters, which means customers’ water service is not disrupted. Officials said some customers in the area may notice low water pressure.

San Diego Gas & Electric officials confirmed they turned off power to four apartment complexes that have been directly affected by flooding. SDG&E officials said about 80 customers were affected.

San Diego Unified School District officials said ALBA High School on Oregon Street was shut down due to the main break.

VIDEO: Flooding, damage caught on camera

Sky 10 footage showed Idaho Street completely flooded, with water gushing into North Park Community Park.

San Diego police closed eastbound Lincoln Avenue at Oregon Street, southbound and northbound Oregon Street at Lincoln, westbound Lincoln at Idaho Street, westbound Polk Avenue at Utah Street, southbound Utah Street at Polk and the right lane of westbound University at Arizona Street, public affairs Officer Billy Hernandez said.

Many residents were seen difficulty getting to their parked vehicles as water levels rose.

In January 2017, a water main break occurred in the same area, forcing several residents out of their homes.