WASHINGTON — Drivers in Northwest D.C. were dealing with major traffic backups because of a large water main break Thursday morning. The break was reported in the area of Park Place and Hobart Place near McMillan Reservoir. That's not far from Children's National Hospital.
One user on social media alerted D.C. Water and D.C. Police about the water main break just before 8 a.m. Phil McNamara posted video of the break on X. "It's really bad," McNamara said.
While as of now, police have not reported any road closures, drivers are reminded to not drive through flooded streets. Turn around, don't drown.
D.C. firefighters were dispatched to an intersection nearby for a water rescue Thursday morning. The person was trapped in their car. They have been brought to safety and are being evaluated by emergency personnel.
By 9 a.m., DC Water had fixed the water main break. Water has receded. None of the nearby hospitals were impacted by the break. There could be some residual traffic delays in the area.
The cause of the initial break is still under investigation.
Driving safety tips:
If there is flooding, do not drive into a flooded area. You and your vehicle can be swept away quickly if floodwaters rise around your car, so if faced with that situation, abandon your vehicle.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars. This can cause loss of control and stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can carry most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters, so never drive through a flooded roadway because you do not know the condition of the road under the water.