With some roadways still underwater and more rain expected this week and next, officials are urging citizens to use caution and avoid roads that show even the slightest signs of flooding.
Standing on a portion of Sutherland Road with water covering the roadway behind him, Chief Deputy Sheriff Major Barry Smith on Tuesday said drivers should heed the national message of “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”
“There’s a lot of truth to that because every season when we’re dealing with flooded roads and roads that are closed, undoubtedly we have several water rescues where first responders have to come out and rescue stranded motorists in the water,” Smith said in a video post to the Daviess County Fiscal Court Facebook Page. “The main thing is if you can’t see the road and it’s not a really short stretch, then just stay out of the water.”
Sutherland is one of many roads in the southern portion of Daviess County common for flooding from backwater, while others across the entire county are subject to Flash Flooding, smith noted.
“You never know what’s in the water. As the floodwaters recede, there’s always debris and other things in the roadway,” Smith said. “Not only that, but we also have conditions of roadways where once the water recedes, the roadway is actually washed out. You can’t see that if you’re trying to go through (while it’s flooded.)”
According to the National Weather Service, “Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.”
Also according to NWS, “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.”
Smith said for people to simply play it safe and avoid any chance of becoming stranded or getting in an accident.
He said, “You’re better off to turn around and find an alternate route, even though that may delay you.”
