Firefighters Rescue Woman Swept Away by High Water on the Northeast Side

According to a KSAT News report, a woman was taken to the hospital after being rescued by firefighters from high water on the Northeast Side.

SAFD reported the incident occurred on Austin Highway and Corinne Drive near Ira Lee Road at around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, January 22nd. Police say that 4 people were traveling on Corinne Drive and turned to enter Ira Lee Road when they encountered high water. One woman attempted to exit the vehicle and was swept away by rushing water. Police were able to point her out to firefighters after hearing her call for help, and they rescued her without incident. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to be fine.

Did You Know?

Florida has the most car crash drownings in the country, with slightly more than half of all drowning deaths in the continental United States.

How to Drive in a Flash Flood in San Antonio

You don’t normally have to worry about drowning in your vehicle in San Antonio — but if this week taught us anything, San Antonio weather can be a little unpredictable.

You should never drive if there’s a chance of flooding. However, flash floods can happen unexpectedly, so it’s important to know what to do if the road in front of you suddenly becomes flooded.

The Dangers of Driving in Flood Waters

Flood waters are no joke — even if the water looks shallow, it can be deadly.

Your vehicle can be swept away in just 12 inches of water, according to the National Weather Service. 2 feet of rushing water can pick up and carry most vehicles (yes, even pickup trucks). So, as a general rule of thumb, don’t drive on a flooded roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route.

Don’t drown.

Tips for Driving in Flood Waters

There are some scenarios where you can’t avoid driving on a flooded roadway. If that happens, follow these tips:

Tip #1: Drive in the Center of the Road

Water is almost always the most shallow in the center of the road. In an emergency situation, move to the center of the road.

Tip #2: Drive Behind Other Vehicles Single-File

Driving next to other vehicles in flood waters isn’t safe. Take turns and travel behind other vehicles in the center of the road. They will help push water away from the center and prevent you from splashing water on other vehicles.

Tip #3: Slow Down

Enter flooded areas at 1 to 2 mph, and then speed up to 3 to 4 mph to avoid engine flooding. If you try to speed through high water, your engine will flood, and you will find yourself in a dangerous situation.

If you ever become stuck in a flooded area, call 9-1-1 and wait for help. Don’t try to exit the vehicle if there is running water. Get to high ground if you can; wait for help if you can’t.

Injured in an Inclement Weather Accident? Call Carabin Shaw.

Inclement weather in San Antonio is almost always accompanied by an increase in auto accidents. We can help.

Our attorneys have helped those injured in San Antonio auto accidents for 30 years, and we put our clients first. Call the team that cares today at 800-862-1260, or use the live chat at the bottom right of your screen for a free case evaluation. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.

¹KSAT Report

²National Weather Service