The incident was first reported shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. It appears the break originated at Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive. The water gushed out onto the surrounding streets before it was stopped around 7 a.m.
Video from AIR7 captured the destruction caused by the powerful torrents of water. The brunt of the fast-moving water was seen rushing south on Palm Avenue, swamping parked cars and apartment complex garages down the hill to Santa Monica Boulevard.
View from AIR7 shows widespread impact of West Hollywood water main break
RELATED: Water main that ruptured in West Hollywood was already slated for replacement under LADWP project
Residents in the area were seen walking outside to survey the damage, some of them walking through the current of water and others attempting to drive through. AIR7 captured the moment one person was temporarily washed away by the current while trying to walk along a sidewalk. They eventually managed to get back up.
West Hollywood water main break: AIR7 captures moment person is temporarily washed away
Metro bus yard impacted by flooding
Metro bus service resumes after West Hollywood flooding
Metro buses at a West Hollywood bus yard returned to service after floodwaters inundated the facility.
The yard was among the last locations in the area where water levels began to drop. AIR7 video showed several buses surrounded by water as flooding impacted the yard. When crews arrived Thursday morning, Metro buses were seen leaving the yard.
More than 200 Metro buses are stationed at the facility. Before any buses were returned to service, they were inspected to ensure they were safe to operate, according to Metro.
The agency said about 700 employees work out of the facility. Employees were being shuttled from the Pacific Design Center so they could safely reach work.
Metro said bus service continues in the area, although several bus lines are affected. The agency directed riders to its social media accounts for information about impacted routes and said affected lines were experiencing delays. Traffic around the area remained difficult Thursday as drivers and commuters navigated muddy conditions near the facility.
"It just was a lot of traffic," said one Metro commuter. "If you're going to go anywhere Thursday, you just got to plan to leave early. I mean ... it's very messy."
While traffic on Santa Monica Boulevard outside the yard showed some improvement, conditions remained muddy and delays continued.
The water main break and flooding prompted a large response from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Utility crews worked to shut off the flow of water, which buckled pavement in some areas.
LADWP officials, Mayor Karen Bass provide update on water main break
LADWP officials said the massive leak occurred in a 36-inch trunk line from 1916. In order to avoid further damage, crews had to slowly and carefully turn off valves of the highly pressurized water system.
"This is one of the challenges when our infrastructure is so old," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told reporters at the scene. "It is my understanding that these pipes are over 100 years old."
Officials added that water services remained functional for a large majority of customers in the area, with the exception of one person.
It's unclear when the ruptured water line would be repaired, as well as the severely damaged portion of Sunset Boulevard.
LADWP crews remained at the scene overnight.
West Hollywood residents, businesses face major cleanup
The flooding triggered a widespread cleanup effort across the neighborhood. Some businesses were forced to close as crews and property owners assessed the damage. Residents reported flooded garages and submerged vehicles.
Isaac Gonzalez, a car wash manager, said his business avoided major damage despite flooding.
West Hollywood residents, businesses face major cleanup after water main break
One resident, Arnie Perras, said his recently purchased vehicle was trapped underwater.
"New car, just bought it two months ago... You can't see it, the water is too high," Perras said.
Another resident, identified only as Kevin, estimated the financial impact on vehicle owners could be substantial.
"I'm thinking at least $20 million worth of cars underwater up and down this street," he said.
Residents described the intensity of the flooding and the sound of the rushing water.
"Roaring waters, it was like we were standing next to a waterfall," said Kelly, a resident impacted by the flooding. "It was it was very loud. I've never seen anything like it."
City News Service contributed to this report.