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Georgetown Waterfront Evacuated In D.C. For Flooding

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Emergency crews are evacuating restaurants and businesses along the Georgetown waterfront because of flooding from the Potomac River.

D.C. fire department spokesman Pete Piringer says evacuations of several buildings began Monday morning due to flooding in basements and on the ground floor of buildings along the river. Piringer says there was a problem raising the flood gates along the waterfront.

Piringer says there is 10 to 12 feet of water at the Tony and Joe's restaurant. The fountain at the waterfront plaza has disappeared under the flood waters. Firefighters are working to help raise the flood walls to prevent further damage.

A coastal flood warning is in effect throughout the day. The river is several feet above normal.

Moderate flooding also has been reported on Haines Point.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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