GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids alerted FOX 17 to a water main break on the southeast side at 5 a.m. Thursday.
When our crews got there, we found flooded yards and cars window-deep in water on Philadelphia Ave SE.
Homeowner, Lorena Fisher says her son woke her up around 2:30 a.m. saying he'd heard what sounded like a river rushing by their home.
They got up later that morning to find their yard and the entire neighborhood underwater.
"I am lucky enough to be a little bit higher on the Hill. I'm just really worried about my neighbors," Fisher told us.
The City of Grand Rapids Water System is working to get everything back up and running.
The flooding extends from Adams St SE to Hall St SE.
Tucks arrived around 7 a.m. to begin pumping water away.
We're told the cause is still under investigation. Pictures of flooded basements show just how much water was expelled by the broken line.
The city's water department held a press conference just at 9 a.m. Thursday with new details on the situation.
Watch it below:
Officials from the City of Grand Rapids say they will have to shut down water in the area.
Take a look at the initial map of impacted homes:*
The shutdown will impact 100-150 customers, repairs are expected to take a couple of days once the water is shut off.
Water pressure has been consistent throughout the incident, meaning customers do not need to boil water until the water in the area is shut off.
"We're in shock just trying to figure out who's gonna pay for it, get the water out of the basement," says Scott Hall, a homeowner on Philadelphia Ave.
According to homeowners we talked to in the neighborhood, insurance companies consider this a flood— since these homes are not in a floodplain, policies likely will not cover the damage.
City staff will be going door-to-door, helping answer questions about claims and notifying those impacted if they will be under a boil water advisory.
"We're going to lose everything in the basement," Hall told us. "Probably our cars, too."
There is a silver lining there, though — Hall says his cars are covered.
Hall told us a man was washed down the road in a car, later needing to be rescued from chest-deep floodwaters.
You can see dirt and debris washed into the street.
Time will tell how long clean-up will take— the price tag has yet to be attached.
*Maps have been updated and may not reflect current information. Please check our most recent coverage
