LOS ANGELES (CNS) — A broken water main in the Hollywood area Wednesday led to flooding and prompted closure of a freeway offramp in the area, while also nearly submerging one vehicle, forcing two women to seek refuge on the roof of the vehicle until crews rescued them.

The break was reported about 3 a.m. near the Highland Avenue offramp from the northbound Hollywood (101) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the actual main break occurred on Cahuenga Boulevard near Odin Street.

The Highland Avenue offramp was closed while crews worked to handle the problem, along with various streets nearby that were inundated with water.

The water level in the street rose quickly, opening the pavement in at least one area and nearly submerging a car. Two women in the car scrambled onto the roof of the vehicle to escape the rising water. They remained perched atop the car for nearly an hour until fire crews using a ladder were able to help the women crawl to safety.

Traffic in the area was snarled for blocks as water left roadways unpassable. The water reached depths of at least 4 feet in some areas.

DWP officials said by mid-morning that crews were on the scene doing repair work on the ruptured main. But agency officials said Cahuenga Boulevard between Odin and Cahuenga Terrace is expected to remain blocked until at least 6 p.m.