POCATELLO — A water main break in north Pocatello prompted the closure of Hawthorne Middle School on Friday and temporarily forced nearby residents to shelter in place after water entered a power grid area.

Bannock County officials issued an alert at 5:25 a.m. Friday warning residents in the area of Poleline and Eldredge roads to remain inside their homes as a safety precaution.

By 6:23 a.m., authorities announced the water had been turned off but urged residents to use caution when exiting their homes and to watch for utility crews working throughout the day.

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 officials said they decided to close Hawthorne Middle School for the day out of an abundance of caution.

"The safety of our learners and staff is our highest priority," School District 25 said in a news release. "We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities."

The closure only impacts Hawthorne Middle School. All other School District 25 schools will remain open Friday as regularly scheduled.

Authorities advised the public to avoid the area while crews work to repair the water main break.