As the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power assesses the rupture of a 36-inch steel main buried beneath Sunset Boulevard early Thursday morning, which sent thousands of gallons of water down the streets of West Hollywood, the city has shut down major roads in a highly trafficked area of the Sunset Strip, while residents are being told to reduce water usage as they clear out wreckage from the flooding.
The rupture of the trunk line, which was installed 110 years ago, occurred around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, a rep from the LADWP told reporters, adding that water was shut off in the area by around 7:30 a.m. local time after the city’s Department of Public Works quickly deployed personnel to the scene. LADWP has confirmed that no water service interruptions are anticipated for residents or businesses, who are encouraged by LADWP and the Los Angeles mayor’s office to reduce usage and pressure.
Crews are removing about 195,000 gallons of water from the 0.7-mile isolated section of the large-diameter pipe and the surrounding area before the rupture can be secured and they can assess the extent of the damage. This involves shoring to make the area safe before excavation can begin.
The department said that water continues to flow in West Hollywood through an 8-inch pipe instead of the ruptured 36-inch pipe. Mayor Karen Bass, who was on the scene Thursday morning, relayed the message to WeHo residents later in the day.
“As LADWP crews continue to work urgently to remove water to repair the pipe rupture in West Hollywood, people should avoid the area and conserve water as some may experience a loss of water pressure,” said Bass. “Water to the pipe has been shut off, and anyone who has experienced damage should speak to LADWP personnel on the ground.”
LADWP claims staff have also set up in front of 1010 Palm Ave. daily until 7 p.m. to respond to questions about property damage and claims.
Mayor Bass and West Hollywood mayor John Heilman walk near a water main break has flooded streets in West Hollywood, sending thousands of gallons of water rushing down Sunset Boulevard and surrounding streets on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026.
Jonathan Alcorn / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
On Thursday morning, a massive sinkhole opened up on a West Hollywood sidewalk near Sunset Boulevard after the streets became flooded. Two men walking nearby fell into the sinkhole, and by Thursday morning rush hour, a line of cars could be seen passing it as neighborhood residents and commuters attempted to circumvent the affected area. Traffic closures are currently in effect on Sunset Boulevard between Larrabee Street and La Cienega Boulevard and on nearby streets, for public safety as crews assess damage and determine required repairs.
The LADWP said that customers, especially those on higher building floors in the surrounding area, have reported low water pressure. The department is actively adjusting water operations to restore water pressure without causing further issues, it said.
Businesses in the area will remain closed as they clear out the damage and make tough decisions. Dialog Cafe, an influencer hotspot, wrote in an Instagram post that it would remain closed.
“Right now, our entire focus is on cleaning up, assessing the damage and doing everything we can to restore the space that has been home to so many memories over the past 15 years,” the message stated, signed by the Dialog team. The team indicated they have no idea when the cafe will reopen.
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station announced hard street closures with no through access, including: Horn Avenue at Sunset Boulevard, near the incident location; San Vicente Boulevard and North Clark Street at Sunset Boulevard, where no eastbound traffic on Sunset Boulevard from San Vicente Boulevard/Clark Street is being allowed; Larrabee Street at Sunset Boulevard on the north and south sides and at Santa Monica Boulevard; and Palm Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard. The station is asking everyone to avoid the area over the next few days so repair crews and emergency services can move freely.
Residents passing through any soft closure points should have ID or proof of residency ready.
Several local hotels are offering special rates to impacted West Hollywood residents: the Ziggy Hotel is offering 25 percent off the best available rate, the West Hollywood Edition is offering 20 percent off the retail rate, and the London Hotel is offering 40 percent off the best available rate, among several other discounts available for residents displaced by the flooding.