Water main break leaves Southwest Detroit neighborhood underwater

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Several streets are underwater Monday morning in Southwest Detroit due to a water main break.

"I've been running DWSD for 10 years now, and we've never had a water main break this large in a densely populated neighborhood," said Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown. 

The Great Lakes Water Authority is coordinating with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to help those impacted by the flooding. 

The backstory:

Residents woke up to vehicles stuck in icy water, toppled trash cans, and floating garbage bags after the main break sent water flowing through the neighborhood. 

In some areas, vehicles are nearly completely covered by water.

"We've never seen anything like this before," said Ruben Rodriquez, who wasn't able to get to his home due to the flooding. "It's just a wait and see to see what happens at the moment."

See photos of the flooding in the gallery below:

The water flowing from the area of N. Green and Rowan streets stretches for blocks, with streets off of Regular and off of Beard all dealing with flooding. In addition to the roads, the water is making its way into basements, with some waking up to several feet of water in their homes. 

Brown said at least a square mile has been impacted by this break.

"It just keeps going up and up," Rodriquez said.

Brown said an estimated 150-200 homes have water in their basement. 

First responders have been helping trapped residents, including a person who was stuck on the the roof of a vehicle that was almost completely submerged.

If you see a flooded street, do not drive through it.

What They're Doing:

Just before 9 a.m., the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) said it was working to isolate a break in a 54-inch water main. This will require shutting off water and digging up the pipe.

As crews dig up the pipe, Brown said there is room in the sewer system for the water that flooded the roads.

"What we know is there's capacity in the sewer system to get the water into the sewer and out of the area," he said.

What's next:

The Great Lakes Water Authority, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Detroit Fire Department, and Detroit Police Department are all at the scene evaluating the situation and helping those in need.

A city bus is being used as a warming center for residents rescued. 

"If you have your power on, and you want to stay and you feel comfortable, right now we believe you can do that," Mayor Mike Duggan said. "If you feel uncomfortable and you want to be removed, call 911."

What we don't know:

The cause of the break cannot be determined until the main is dug up.

Stay with FOX 2 for updates on the flooding.

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