Stranded driver rescued from flooded road. ‘Stay away from the water,’ Madera sheriff says
A driver in Madera County found out the hard way how dangerous floodwater can be.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office dive team on Friday morning helped the driver to safety after he attempted to cross a flooded roadway at Road 620 and Carter Creek and was stranded in his vehicle in the water.
First responders, including the sheriff’s office dive team, used equipment to bring the man to safety.
The man wasn’t injured.
The sheriff’s office offered some advice about flooded roadways.
“Throughout the county, we are experiencing rapidly rising water and flooding of highways, bridges and low-laying areas. During the flood warning, take the following precautions,” the sheriff’s office said on social media. “Stay away from flooded areas whenever possible. Do not walk, swim or drive through moving water.”
Also, “never drive, walk, or bicycle through a flooded road or path. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles” and “even a few inches of water can hide currents that can sweep you away, and the water level can rise before you finish crossing. According to FEMA, a foot of water can float vehicles.”
Anyone needing evacuation assistance can call 559-675-7770, or if it is an emergency, call 911.
This story was originally published March 10, 2023 at 3:56 PM.
