Water Main Break Floods Downtown Arcadia

Water Main Break Floods Downtown ArcadiaWater Main Break Floods Downtown Arcadia Arcadia, CA – A major water main break in downtown Arcadia on Sunday evening sent torrents of water cascading through the streets, causing widespread flooding and leaving thousands of residents without water. The break occurred at around 6:30 p.m. near Huntington Drive and First Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom before water erupted from the street, quickly engulfing sidewalks, parking lots, and roads. The floodwaters rapidly spread throughout downtown Arcadia, reaching depths of several feet in some areas. Buildings were inundated, cars were submerged, and trees were uprooted. The intersection of Huntington Drive and Foothill Boulevard was completely impassable, trapping numerous vehicles. First responders from the Arcadia Fire and Police Departments arrived on the scene and began evacuating residents from affected areas. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for the area, advising people to seek higher ground. “The flooding was so quick,” said resident Mary Smith. “I looked out my window and suddenly the street was a river. I grabbed my children and ran upstairs.” The water main break also caused a power outage in the area, affecting over 10,000 homes and businesses. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) crews worked throughout the night to restore electricity. The City of Arcadia has declared a state of emergency and activated its emergency operations center. Crews from the Public Works Department are working to repair the broken water main, but it is expected to take several hours. Water service to affected areas has been shut off until repairs are complete. Residents are being urged to conserve water and to boil any water they use for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Emergency shelters have been established at the Arcadia Community Center and the First United Methodist Church of Arcadia for those who have been displaced. The flooding has caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is expected to be in the millions of dollars. “This is a devastating event for our community,” said Arcadia Mayor Bob Harbicht. “Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted. We will do everything in our power to help them recover.”