It appears that a number of motorists haven’t been aware of these dangers since the first of the series of record-setting atmospheric rivers hit on New Year’s Eve.to “NEVER” drive through flooded roadways
, using capital letters to emphasize that message. That’s because a motorist can’t know the condition of the road under the water; it may be washed out. As few as six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars and cause drivers to lose control or their vehicles to stall, putting them and their passengers at risk of drowning, the NWS said. Twelve inches of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including larger and heavier SUVs and pickups.
If you end up in a flooded area, and water begins rising around your car, the NWS says you should abandon your vehicle immediately and move to higher ground. Amid rising floodwaters, you’re danger that you and your vehicle will be swept away.