A water main break flooding the streets and businesses in midtown just before rush hour Wednesday.
The break happened around 3:20 p.m. on Hancock Street between Washington and Emory streets.
Traffic was halted and rerouted around the area, causing a major jam on the surrounding streets as well as southbound Interstate 5 at the Washington Street exit.
Trolley service had to be slowed through the area because of water on the tracks.
At least two restaurants in the area had to take preventative actions to keep water from flooding their establishments.
Santiago Seiszedos, an employee at Fishmonger’s Market who was seen pushing water out of the patio of the restaurant with a squeegee, said the street just sank and water started flowing out.
San Diego Public Utilities Water Department was able to shut off the water around 4:30 p.m.
