SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) — Crews are still working to repair a massive water main break in Skokie, where a boil water remains in effect on Saturday.
The break caused streets to flood ahead of frigid weather early Friday morning.
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Skokie village officials said they are working to restore water pressure as soon as possible.
People living there and in parts of Evanston are still under a boil order on Saturday.
The boil water order impacts Evanston areas bordered by Glenview Road and Isabella Street to Green Bay Road, from Green Bay Road to McCormick Boulevard, from McCormick Boulevard to Elgin Road and Simpson Street, from Simpson Street to Crawford Avenue, from Crawford Avenue to Harrison Street and from Harrison Street to Princeton Avenue and Glenview Road.
That boil order is expected to remain in effect until at least Saturday night.
Chopper 7 was over the impacted area after the water main break, giving you a bird’s eye view of the scale of this situation that one Skokie official called unprecedented for the village.
An ABC Plumbing truck was seen stuck in the icy water as a water main break caused flooding in Skokie on Friday morning.
Bulldozers could be seen grinding away on Friday night, even as snow was falling, slowing recovery efforts.
Of course, the freezing temperatures have only made cleanup efforts that much more challenging, and potentially dangerous.
Skokie officials said they responded to the water main break after 5 a.m. Friday near East Prairie and Emerson.
Homes and vehicles across several blocks were flooded, with some people even stuck inside their homes temporarily.
Hospital services, nearby schools and Skokie businesses were also shuttered without water on Friday.
Free bottled water distribution
Firefighters could be seen pacing the neighborhood on Friday night, passing out cases of bottled water.
Another free bottled water distribution event started at 7 a.m. Saturday at Sketchbook Brewing at 4901 Main Street in Skokie. Hundreds of residents have stopped by to pick up water.
The event continued until the bottled water ran out, organizers said.
“I just wanted to volunteer. It keeps me busy and it’s just what I want to do,” volunteer Paul Rivlin said.
They call it “the Skokie Spirit,” Neighbors helping neighbors, and strangers helping strangers during some tough days for the Village of Skokie.
“It’s been a challenging situation for everybody, but I think the community is getting through it very well,” Skokie Fire Department Chief Jeff Hoeflich said.
After the water main break, volunteers from all walks of life passed out free cases of bottled water Saturday morning at a local brewery to hundreds of residents in need.
Sketchbook Brewing owner Cesar Marron said it was a no-brainer, opening up his space to place the community’s well-being first.
“Anytime we have a chance to help whatever it is, whatever it is. We are here for it,” Marron said. “Don’t freak out. We’re here and taking it one step at a time. I think the village is doing everything they can.”
Skokie resident Sharon Reich picked up cases of bottled water for fellow neighbors living in her apartment building.
“When stuff happens and bad things happen people come together,” Reich said. “We are getting water for our whole building. You know what, people need to come together before bad stuff happens, you know? It makes me feel good.”
Skokie resident Jessie Ramiro said the helping hand during this trying time is warming his spirits on a frigid day.
“Yes, it’s been hard. We cannot wash dishes and we have to eat,” Ramiro said. “You know I think it’s a good thing that the community’s helping out.”
The Skokie Spirit was on full display, one car at a time.
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