CLEVELAND (WJW) - Monday morning, a Cleveland street turned into a hazardous waterway after a massive water main break flooded Madison Avenue.
A woman found herself stranded on top of her car, prompting a daring rescue by first responders.
It wasn't just a water main break -- it was a race against time.
Around 4 a.m. Monday, water began gushing onto Madison Avenue, quickly transforming the stretch between West 112th Street and Berea Road into a river.
For at least one driver, it became a life-threatening situation.
How this driver ended up stuck in the rising water is still under investigation, but Cleveland Fire officials say she climbed onto the roof of her car, stranded and with nowhere to go, by the time they arrived.
First responders didn't waste a moment. Wearing wetsuits and using their inflatable rescue boat, they navigated the dangerous waters and brought her to safety.
By mid-morning, the floodwaters had receded, but the aftermath remains. City crews have been on-site all day working to repair the road and clean up the debris left behind.
"There are a lot of problems with the sewers and all of that," shared Kyle Rose.
For those who live and work nearby, this incident wasn't entirely unexpected.
A local business owner restoring a historic building near the flood site says the area has long struggled with infrastructure issues.
"The bridge down there always has problems and needs fixing," Rose added.
The flood has drawn attention to a broader issue -- Cleveland's aging infrastructure.
"The roads need repair. There are potholes and all kinds of things. With the weather the way it is, I'm not surprised a sewer line broke," said Rose.
While city crews worked tirelessly to pump out water and clear debris, many are simply relieved that the stranded driver was rescued safely.
The woman rescued this morning is expected to be okay, but the street where the dramatic rescue unfolded tells a different story.
Once again, we're thankful for the heroic efforts of Cleveland's first responders, who saved a life this morning.
The affected stretch of Madison Avenue remains closed.