Major Water Main Break Shutters Three Buffalo Schools

This has been a pretty rough winter for Buffalo and Western New York. Not only has the weather been brutal, dumping a lot of snow on the region and bringing seriously cold temperatures that have nearly paralyzed the area. Not only have city workers been putting in major work to keep city streets clear, but students and workers alike have had to struggle through some of the coldest air we've had in years.

If that wasn't enough, winter has closed schools and businesses several times already in 202,6 and if things keep going in the direction they have been, it's going to happen even more.

The last day or so has been especially difficult as the third major water main break in Buffalo has caused major disruption in the region. Not only did it create a massive sinkhole in the neighborhood and flood several blocks, but it has also forced hundreds of parents to make a big change in plans for school.

Three Black Rock Neighborhood Schools Forced to Close Due to Flooding

As thousands of gallons of water impacted the neighborhood around Hertel Avenue and Military Road, city of Buffalo officials have had to provide emergency services for hundreds of neighborhood residents, and they have also needed to shut down three city schools and have students stay home for remote learning.

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The Buffalo Public Schools directed students who attend PS 79 William J. Grabiarz School of Excellence, PS 94 West Hertel Academy, and PS 208 Riverside Academy PS 208 High School to use their remote learning procedures for Thursday, February 5, 2026, as the entire neighborhood surrounding the school has been heavily impacted.

City officials expect work on the water main and the streets to be completed later in the day on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and things should be able to return to normal on Friday, February 6, 2026.