Large Water Main Break Floods Hoboken Streets

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer says that a large water main break on the city's border with Jersey City is causing issues throughout the city.

Hoboken police Chief Ken Ferrante sid that the water main break is at the southwest edge of the city and asked anyone entering or leaving the city to do so from the north end.

Water pressure has been restored in many parts of the city, after many were left without water throughout the day. Officials say that some residents, especially those who live on the upper floors of residential buildings, may still have limited or no water pressure.

The break occurred in a 24-inch main that brings water from Jersey City into Hoboken, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported.

The city said the water company is working to fix a broken valve. According to a statement released by the City of Hoboken, the main break has been isolated and water pressure is beginning to be restored.

There are no power problems, police told WCBS 880.

SUEZ Water North Jersey, formerly United Water North Jersey, has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for residents throughout Hoboken.

Repairs to the water main will continue overnight, with full pressure restoration completed by tomorrow, according to officials.

"The actual street repairs for the pipe, they're estimating about 16 hours," Hoboken police chief Ken Ferrente said. "United Water's goal is to have these repairs done and complete before the rush hour in the morning."

Residents are advised to use public transportation or to travel through the north end of the city as repairs are taking place. Additional police officers will be dispatched to help direct traffic during commuting hours.

Street closures: Observer Highway is closed west of Henderson Street to Jersey Ave, Harrison Street is closed from Paterson Avenue to Newark Street and Jackson Street is closed from Newark Street to Paterson Avenue. Vehicles traveling north on Jersey Ave will need to turn at 18th Street.

Meanwhile, emergency water tanks have been brought in to allow residents to gather fresh drinking water. The tanks are located at:
• 76 Bloomfield St.
• 310-320 Jackson St.
• 311 13th St. and at First Street
• Washington Street next to City Hall.

Two additional water trucks have been added at 14th Street and Sinatra Drive, and in front on Hoboken High School at 900 Clinton Street.

Residents should bring a container to any of the locations.

Life in Hoboken on what should have been a lazy Sunday proved suddenly challenging, as residents hauled home cases of water, but couldn't do anything about other some basic necessities of life.

"You can't shower and there's not a lot of food options open in Hoboken either," one resident told CBS2's Steve Langford.

Businesses like Jack's Cabin near Jackson Street and Patterson Avenue found themselves surrounded by several inches of water, WLNY TV 10/55's Valerie Castro reported.

"When I pulled up the water was literally almost to the restaurant, I freaked out thinking it probably got in the restaurant," owner Abigail Blackwell said.

Photos on social media show flooded streets.

Steve Andreassi came out with his son to look at the flooded streets and figure out what's next.

"We've got some bottled water to drink, but we've probably got one flush left in the toilet, and after that I'm not sure what we're going to do," he said.

Gabriel, owner of the Delight Deli & Grocery, realized what was going on when he opened up. He said he lost $800 of business in the first few hours.

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