3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Drive Down a Flooded Street

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Three Reasons to Avoid Driving Down a Flooded Street

When a thunderstorm hits Berryhill, NC, the effects can be felt by more than just your battered roof or thriving garden. It can also negatively affect your commute. Despite that, it's imperative to exercise caution. Here are three reasons NOT to cross your fingers and gun it down that flooded street the next time severe weather impacts your route.

1. It Takes Less Water Than You Think To Wash Away a Car

According to the National Weather Service, just 12 inches of fast-moving water is enough to sweep away a compact car. At two feet, virtually no car, pick-up truck or SUV is immune. Even six inches of water is enough to cause your ride to stall or to make it float, which means a total loss of control for whoever is behind the wheel.

2. Your Car Is Not a Boat

Unless you're Batman, your beloved vehicle probably can't turn into watercraft at the touch of a button. Once your car does get carried away, you've ceded all control. After that, there's little to stop your car from careening onto its side or flipping over entirely — all while you continue barreling along.

3. You Don't Know What's Under the Surface of That Flooded Street

What Lies Beneath is more than just a second-tier Harrison Ford movie. It should also be one of your chief concerns as you traverse flooded roads. During flooding, entire road beds can be washed away. In other words, that street you're thinking about driving down, even though it's flooded, may not be there anymore. Those 6 inches of water may actually be 26, for example, and then it's time to refer back to the second of these travel tips.
Storm surges happen. After a flood, leave water damage repair to the pros, and leave sailing to the Navy. Your car and your wallet with thank you for exercising caution and driving past that flooded street.