Major water main break in Northeast Philly

Crews are responding to a 60-inch water main break at a busy Northeast Philadelphia intersection.

The main break near Frankford and Torresdale avenues was reported around 9 a.m. The incident flooded area roadways, caused widespread losses in water service and led to a number of closures, including for city schools.

The Philadelphia Water Department said crews are at the scene, and repairs could take several hours.

Further details about the break and how it happened weren't immediately known.

Residents in the area have reported lost water service, and officials said sections of North Philadelphia and Fairmount may be experiencing low water pressure. The water department said zip codes 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19130, 19134, 19137 and 19140 are affected.

Some nearby businesses were also reporting water problems. Establishments from OCF Coffee House in Fairmount to the Columbia North YMCA said they were closing for the day due to the water main break.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health said the city health center at 2230 Cottman Avenue would also be closed. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children said it was closing the outpatient center and rescheduling elective surgeries, though the hospital and emergency room remain open.

A number of Philadelphia schools were closing at 11:30 a.m. due to the water main break, the school district said. A complete list of schools closing is here.

SEPTA said bus routes 5 and 56 are being detoured due to the break.

Temple University said in an alert to the university community that the break was affecting water pressure at the main campus and Health Sciences Campus. The school asked people to conserve as much water as possible.