Hundreds of residents had to be evacuated after a water main break sent thousands of gallons of water gushing through the streets of Lowell Monday afternoon.
First responders navigated the flooded area near Moody and Cabot Streets, using a boat to rescue residents still trapped in their homes. The murky water could be seen up to the grills of a few parked cars and submerging the front steps of some houses.
Hundreds evacuated after water main break in Lowell’s Acre neighborhood west of downtown in area of Cabot & Moody...
Posted by Drew Karedes Boston 25 on Monday, November 28, 2022
Crews dug at the ground for several hours to locate the source of the break and the hundreds who were forced to evacuate their home weren’t sure when they would be let back into their homes.
“It’s actually devastating now given the holiday season now all these homes and people being displaced,” said Walter Smith.
It took several hours before the onrush of water was put to an end. But the damage had already been done.
“I said ‘Oh wow.. the cars and the apartments have water inside,’” said Francis Cabrera
The Lowell Senior Center and Mercier Center were opened to temporarily house those affected by the flooding.
**UPDATE: The Lowell Senior Center (276 Broadway St.) and Mercier Center (21 Salem St.) are open for residents affected by the water main break.**
— Lowell PD (@LowellPD) November 29, 2022
LPD5 https://t.co/h0YWJ1M445
They also advised those in the area to avoid the flooded streets and to expect delays.
**TRAFFIC ADVISORY**
— Lowell PD (@LowellPD) November 28, 2022
Water Main Break in the area of Moody St. / Cabot St. / Father Morrissette Blvd.
Seek alternate routes. Expect Delays.
The Ayotte Garage will be open for free parking for residents in the affected area. @CityofLowellMA
LPD5
The city’s parking department tweeted that the gates of Ayotte Garage had been lifted for those affected in the area.
There is a major main break on Moody St in Lowell. The gates of the Ayotte Garage have been lifted for those in the affected area.
— LowellParkingMA (@LowellParkingMA) November 28, 2022
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