NEW YORK — A large water main break this morning flooded about a dozen New York City buildings, causing evacuations and closing streets within a three block radius in Lower Manhattan.

The Fire Department said the 12-inch main broke at the intersection of West Broadway and Duane Street early today. The water was up to 4 feet deep in some buildings at the height of the flood.

The buildings are mixed-used, business and residential. Most are about five to six stories.

City buses were being used as waiting areas for some of the people who were evacuated.

Once firefighters finish pumping out the water, building experts will make sure the structures are sound.

The cause of the water main break was not immediately known.