Metro System Paralyzed by Water Main Break

(Updated at 8:55 a.m.) An early morning water main break today (Tuesday) forced WMATA to completely suspend Metro service between L’Enfant Plaza and Farragut West. Service “is being restored” on the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, WMATA said in an update sent at 8:48 a.m. Commuters can expect residual delays in both directions.

WMATA previously advised riders to seek alternate travel between the affected stations.

“Major delays, crowding, bus shuttles due to water main break at 12th & F Metro Ctr.,” the WMATA website said.

Shuttle buses are running between L’Enfant Plaza and Farragut West.

Metro first advised riders of the water main break at 12th and F streets NW at 5:54 a.m.

Water flooded the Metro Center stop and surged “above the height of the rail,” Metro spokesman Dan Stessel told The Washington Post. Pumping stations inside the station were “on full power” to remove the water earlier this morning.

What caused the water main break was not announced.