Water rushed downhill from the Sunset Strip, swamping vehicles and underground garages before crews stopped the flow.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — A major water main break sent water surging through West Hollywood early Thursday, flooding streets, apartment garages and parked vehicles while opening a sinkhole and forcing authorities to close roads near the Sunset Strip.
The break was reported shortly after 3 a.m. near Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Water flowed downhill through nearby neighborhoods for several hours before utility crews stopped it at about 7 a.m. The cause of the break and the full extent of the damage had not been released.
The strongest flow moved south along Palm Avenue toward Santa Monica Boulevard. Water also reached Hancock Avenue and other surrounding streets, turning portions of the neighborhood into fast-moving streams. Pavement buckled in some places, and aerial video showed a large opening in the roadway near the apparent source of the break.
Underground parking garages at apartment buildings along the route filled with water, leaving vehicles partly submerged or surrounded by debris. Other parked cars were caught in the current on neighborhood streets. Authorities had not provided a confirmed estimate of the number of homes, businesses or vehicles damaged.
Video showed residents emerging from their buildings to inspect the flooding. One person briefly lost their footing and was carried by the current while trying to move along a sidewalk, but managed to stand again. Officials did not immediately report any serious injuries connected to the break.
Water also flooded a bus yard near Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards. Officials said the damage was expected to affect bus service in the area, though the routes and length of the disruption were not immediately clear. Several streets remained closed while emergency crews and utility workers assessed conditions.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said crews had to close large underground valves slowly because of pressure within the system. The careful process was intended to prevent additional damage as workers reduced the flow and prepared to inspect the broken line.
The department did not immediately release the size or age of the pipe, an estimate of water lost or a timetable for permanent repairs. It also was not immediately known how many customers had lost water service. Crews were assessing damage to the main, roadway and nearby property after the flow was stopped.
Authorities continued to ask the public to avoid the flooded area while crews cleared debris, examined damaged pavement and determined which streets could safely reopen. Additional information about repairs, property damage and service disruptions was expected after the assessment.
Author note: Last updated July 16, 2026.