Broken Water Main Floods Businesses, Road in Silver Spring

Flower Avenue in Silver Spring, Md. reopened Wednesday night after a broken water main closed the road and flooded several businesses. 

The 12-inch water main broke at about 10 a.m. Wednesday on Flower Avenue at Piney Branch Road. Water from the 90-year-old pipe gushed over the street and sidewalk, and several businesses were flooded, a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said. Water service in the area was shut off. 

Water service was stored, repairs were complete and the road had reopened as of 5 p.m.

Water rushed into Adarash Market, which sells Ethiopian food and groceries at 8706 Flower Ave. Owner Ali Faris showed on his wet pantlegs where water rose nearly to his knees. He tried to stuff bags of merchandise at the door in a desparate attempt to stop the flood, but it was no use.

The business owner said he lost almost $10,000 in food alone.

WSSC crews are also on the scene of a water main break in Prince George's County. WSSC officials say both water mains are 90-years-old. 

Water main breaks usually occur in extremely cold or weather condition, but any change in temperature can cause damage to an old pipe. 

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