72-Inch Water Main Break Floods Dundalk Communities

Dundalk, Md. (September 18, 2009, 11 p.m.) -- A 72-inch water main break in Dundalk early this evening flooded the communities of Turner Station, Logan Village and Water's Edge.

Two people were transported to the hospital with minor complaints, but dozens of homes -- as many as 100, fire officials say -- appear to have suffered basement flooding. Fire and emergency management officials continue to assess the damage.

Immediately after the main broke, at about 4:15 p.m., water poured into the streets, reaching windshield height in some places. What began as a Fire Department swiftwater incident quickly escalated to involve multiple agencies, including the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, which owns and operates the metropolitan water system, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Baltimore County Office of Emergency Management, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Baltimore County Police. BGE and the Red Cross also have been on scene throughout the incident.

Other details:

• City public works officials cut off most of the water to the broken main at about 6:25 p.m. They said residents could expect low water pressure or no water at all until the problem is resolved, probably later this evening. Residents with questions about water issues should call the city's Department of Public Works, 410-396-5352.
• More than 840 homes are without electrical power.
• At 10:30 p.m., Emergency Management officials closed a shelter that at the Ateaze Senior Center on Holabird Avenue. Residents have returned to their homes.
• Most of the homes with flooded basements are located on McShane Way and Loganview Drive. Fire and public works crews are going door to door, pumping basements. Residents in areas where the flooding has receded are being allowed back in their homes; some areas still are under several inches of water.
• The water main break destroyed a large section of Broening Highway. The area surrounding the damage will be closed to traffic. Specifically, police say the roads will be closed to all but local traffic as follows: Broening Highway and Maryland Avenue, Dundalk Avenue at Dunhaven and McShane Way, and Main Street at Liberty Parkway.

Fire officials warn that homes that have suffered basement flooding will need to pay attention to safety issues. Appliances affected by floodwaters should be considered unsafe until inspected by a professional.