Large water main break floods streets in Newark

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A large water main break flooded streets in Newark Monday morning, and it may take a few days for traffic in the area to return to normal.

Water started flooding North 5th Street following the break that began at about 4:30 a.m.

Water quickly began pouring into homes in the neighborhood.

Police woke up residents to move their cars and evacuated people from two homes in North 5th Street.

They also had to detour traffic at North 5th Street from 4th Avenue to 6th Avenue and Park Avenue from 1st Street to 6th Avenue.

The water receded, but some of those detours will remain in place for a few days.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports that the repairs are expected to take three to five days to complete.

Drivers and others are advised to plan alternate routes during the repairs.