Every year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other thunderstorm-related hazard. The CDC reported that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle was driven into flood waters.
People, unfortunately, underestimate the force and power of water. Many of these deaths occurred because a vehicle was swept downstream. In most cases, these drownings are preventable.
Never drive around barriers that are blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under the water. It only takes about 6 inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult, and it just takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and about 2 feet of rushing water to carry away SUVs and trucks.
It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
