Driving Safely During Storms With Possible Flooding

You don’t have to reside next to a river, lake, or ocean to experience flash flooding. Even desert states like New Mexico have their share of flash floods due to heavy rains that have nowhere to go except storming down what used to be dry washes or arroyos just a few moments earlier. Each city and town is susceptible to sewers and storm drains overflowing and backing up due to a massive amount of rain or debris clogging.

Flash flooding is one of the most hazardous weather-related events since they can occur anywhere and at any time. The water increases so fast and flows so quickly that roads can be especially lethal. Cars can be swept away even before drivers know what’s going on.

Protecting yourself from a flash flood is easy, as long as you drive carefully and stay alert.

All you have to do to get to your destination safely is to practice a couple of safety precautions. Here are some rules for driving safely during storms with flooding.

Don’t Go Through Flood Water
Just because it looks shallow doesn’t mean it is. You can’t judge depth, particularly at night. Also, the ground could be compromised, and there might be a hole where the flat surface once was. If you get stuck in flood water, reach out to a Syracuse towing company.

Get Out Now if Your Automobile Starts Going Under
While it’s unsafe to drive into flood waters, it’s just as hazardous to stay in a vehicle that’s submerging. Remain calm. Take off your seat belt. Open your window and exit through it. If your window can’t open, break it with anything handy. Stay on the roof of your car as long as you possibly can.

If your car gets stuck on a tree, try to get in the tree instead of staying on your car’s roof.
 
Never Park or Camp Near Washes or on River Banks
While it may be visually appealing to set up camp on a river, don’t do it. Heavy thunderstorms and rain can come at any time. Put a weather app on your cell so you can check the weather when and how often you need.​

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