PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thunderstorms are considered more of a nuisance than a risk to most drivers, according to Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, but the risk is real — especially if 1 to 4 inches of rain falls in a short period of time.
And with Tropical Storm Fay expected to drench the region through the weekend, AAA Mid-Atlantic is warning motorists to stay alert in the downpours.
“As the rain continues to fall, the ground is going to become oversaturated, which means that there’s a greater opportunity for flooding,” Tidwell explained. “The heavier the rain comes down, there’s nowhere else for it to go but to pond out there on the roadways.”
Tidwell advised repeating the mantra, “Turn around, don’t drown,” in your head. What may look like a big puddle may actually be enough water to flood an engine.
“Never drive through standing water,” she explained. “If the rain is just coming down and you cannot see, you want to make sure that you try your best to get off to the side of the road, or exit the highway and wait out the downpour in a parking lot or safe location if possible.”
Good Afternoon Everyone! We are starting to see the rain taper off at the coast. However, it will take time for the runoff in some places to recede. Gusty winds will continue to be possible for the next few hours. Here is our latest briefing: https://t.co/JiD09BPJVv pic.twitter.com/qjZ1WzVhqd
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly)
July 10, 2020 AAA Mid-Atlantic reported more than 20 vehicle water rescues across the region after Monday’s scattered severe thunderstorms.
“Motorists just feel that they are able to get through that puddle or think that it is just a shallow puddle,” she continued, “but the truth is, it only takes as little as 6 inches of water to cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.”
Tidwell also offered some sound advice in all kinds of weather: Always leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you, buckle up, and slow down.
