Water Main Rupture Swamps Cleveland

A water main broke in downtown Cleveland, knocking out power and sending water pouring through some of the city’s busiest streets. Mayor Michael R. White said the area affected by the break may not be usable until next week. “It will definitely be closed Thursday, Friday and possibly through the weekend,” White said. The city’s schools were closed today and residents were advised to boil their water. The main broke about 5:45 p.m. and knocked out power to nearby office buildings and lowered water pressure throughout the city and some suburbs. At least three cars were stuck in water a couple of feet deep. Motorists were able to leave the cars safely. The cause of the break in the 4-foot-diameter pipe was unknown.