July 20, 2022 / 4:45 AM / CBS Los Angeles

Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a water main break that caused heavy flooding in Hollywood early Wednesday morning.

The flooding was first reported just after 2:45 a.m. on North Cahuenga Boulevard, after a car traveling through the area was almost completely submerged in the water, with water levels rising to more than four feet in some areas. 

Los Angeles Fire Department crews were able to rescue the two occupants of the vehicle, who were said to have been sitting on top of their vehicle for over an hour as the water level continued to rise.

Swift Water Rescue teams were also called to the scene to ensure that no other people needed rescue. 

According to a member of those Swift Water Rescue teams, the flooding wasn't the only pressing issue. 

"The manhole cover goes directly down into the sewer system, with the water wanting to take the path of least resistance, waters going to end up flowing underground, which is what is gonna end up causing a vortex or a current flow that'll go below grade," he said. "If any person or part of your body ends up getting trapped in that current vector it could end up potentially sucking you underground and keeping you there."

"We're okay," they said when speaking with CBS reporters. 

Several buildings in the area were also impacted, including apartment complexes and parking structures, where the entrances were blocked by the water. Firefighters asked people inside those buildings to remain in place until they could work on getting them out on a case-by-case basis. 

As a result, California Highway Patrol issued a Sigalert for the Highland Avenue off-ramp for at least six hours, beginning at 3:50 a.m. 

Crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power were also dispatched to the scene to locate the source of the flooding and repair the issue. 

LADWP officials estimated that the closure would remain in place until around 6 p.m., thanks to the 12-inch water main that broke. They said that the main was slated for replacement by Fall 2022, but this incident may force them to move that work forward. 

Since the September 2021, residents have been impacted by five separate water main breaks in the neighborhood, which can partially be attributed to the fact that the system is from 1931. 

"It's a cast iron pipe, and it's around 91-years-old," said Rosalva Santana, an LADWP civil engineer. "We would attribute this to old age."

As this appears to be a continual problem the area, residents will look to call on city officials for renovation in the area, including grading to prevent more flooding, which also happens whenever there's rainfall. 

Footage from the scene showed a tractor clearing storm drains in the area as they hoped to drain the area. 

As of noon, most of the water had been drained from the area, but heavy repairs were underway as crews worked to fix the extensive damage. 

Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

The CBS LA Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSLA.com.

First published on July 20, 2022 / 4:45 AM

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