Floodwater on the road, and why to turn around

Flooding kills more people each year than any other thunderstorm hazard, and over half of flood drownings happen when someone drives into dangerous floodwater. If water covers the road, turn around and find another way.

How little water it takes

In fast-moving water:

• Six inches can knock over an adult.
• Twelve inches can carry away most cars.
• Two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.

A car caught in swift water can be swept away in seconds, and many flood deaths happen in cars carried downstream.

What the water hides

Floodwater is often deeper than it looks. It can hide sharp objects, downed power lines and chemicals. The road underneath may have washed out or collapsed.

Barricades

Never drive around a barricade blocking a flooded road. Crews put them up to steer traffic safely away from flooded areas.

Walking in it

Don't walk through floodwater either. After driving, it's the next most common way people die in floods. If moving water traps you, get to the highest point you can reach and call 911.

If the water reaches the car

If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside it. If water starts rising inside the car, climb onto the roof and signal for help. Call 911 if you can.

Bridges and warnings

Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, since the current can wash a bridge away without warning. Flash floods can arrive with little or no warning too, so learn your evacuation routes before the rain starts. If a flood warning is issued for your area, get to safe shelter right away.

After the flood

Avoid driving until the water has gone down, except in an emergency. Floodwater can wash out a road surface, and the damage may not show from the driver's seat.

An annotated example

What to do next

Find a second route home that stays on higher ground. Turn on weather alerts on your phone so a flood warning reaches you before you set out.