West Midlands Fire ServiceA major water main has burst in Birmingham, causing water to gush on to a busy road and flood it.
West Midlands Fire Service said Stratford Road in Sparkhill had been closed between Knowle Road and Bromyard Road, with other routes affected.
Utilities firm Severn Trent said it was working at the scene and until the issue was resolved, a number of properties may be experiencing low water pressure or have no supply at all.
As the fire service said efforts were under way to protect properties, some residents told the BBC they had been without water for hours, and a shop manager said he had been unable to open his store.
Street cleaner Mark Hadley said he had seen fridges and wheelie bins floating down the road.
He added that a nearby restaurant’s basement had been badly flooded and firefighters needed to pump out water.
The fire service said the first crew was at the scene shortly before 06:40 BST, arriving within two minutes of being mobilised.
It said a submersible pump was in use as crews worked “to limit damage to properties and businesses in the area”.
Three fire engines were in attendance on Friday morning, with specialist technical rescue firefighters also deployed, the service added.
A spokesperson advised people to avoid the area and adjoining roads.
Sarehole Road, Shaftmore Lane and Bromyard Road had also been affected, according to the service, which said an environmental assessment had been carried out and that the water was confirmed to be clean.
Disruption is expected throughout the day.
West Midlands Police and Highways crews have been assisting with traffic management.
Among affected residents was Surin Jadav, of Leominster Road, who said on Friday morning his property had been without water for four hours.
West Midlands Fire ServiceMartin Berry, manager of tile shop BC Ceramics on Stratford Road, said the situation was frustrating.
Mr Berry said he was unable to open the shop at 07:30 BST and he was also unable to go in to check damage.
The business had recently spent thousands of pounds on new displays and stock, he added.
