Sub-freezing temperatures lead to water main breaks across Charlotte area

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The frigid temperatures are responsible for breaking pipes and water mains across the Charlotte region, creating dangerous conditions on roads and messes for homes and businesses.

Early Thursday morning, the inbound lanes of Randolph Road had to be closed due to ice forming after a water pipe broke beneath the road. One lane was reopened later in the day.

The broken pipe didn't just impact drivers either. It also cut off the water for students and staff at nearby Billingsville Elementary School.

Crews began working on repairs around 9 a.m., but there was still plenty of water on the road. With frigid temperatures, workers had to put down a lot of salt and brine on the road to prevent cars from sliding.

Some residents in the area were still without water around noon.

"It's been out for several hours and I'm heading into work now and I haven't brushed my teeth,” said Casey Greener. “I was hoping to have water there so I could get it done. But it's really frustrating."

Crews have been working since early Wednesday to repair a leak on The Plaza at Wilann Drive in Charlotte. Part of The Plaza was shut down for much of the day.

A Channel 9 crew saw that the leak appeared to be in the middle of the road, causing water to gush up onto the street.

The incident is one of several water leaks across Charlotte.

Charlotte Water officials reported 106 leaks as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, and 20 of them were considered emergencies.

One lane in the 2400 block of Wilkinson Boulevard was closed Wednesday morning after crews repaired a water main that broke Tuesday night.

Water officials said the roadway would be repaved when temperatures rose.

A Channel 9 viewer sent in video of a massive water main break on Cuthbertson Street near Highway 74 in Monroe.

Water could be seen rushing up to a nearby building.

When water temperatures drop below 40 degrees, it causes stress on pipes, which can lead to them cracking and even bursting.

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