Flash flooding has closed several major roads in southwestern Illinois, and Washington County is experiencing an “emergency flood situation” after the dam at the Nashville City Reservoir failed Tuesday . Some Nashville residents have been instructed to evacuate.
Up to 5 inches of rain may have fallen in Washington County, the News-Democrat reported, and meteorologists expect rain to continue Tuesday evening.
Washington County emergency management officials have advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary due to an evacuation. If you must travel to reach shelter, here are some safety tips.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook around 11 a.m. Tuesday there were stranded vehicles locally.
Driving in heavy rain and flooding
Motorists should never drive through flooded roadways, National Weather Service guidelines say.
The NWS advises people to “turn around, don’t drown” and avoid flooded roadways. It can be difficult to tell how deep the water is, and 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, while a foot of water can carry away most cars, the NWS reports.
NWS safety tips also say to seek higher ground when possible, and to not camp or park your vehicle near creeks or streams.
What to do if your car is stuck in floodwater
If floodwaters surround your car, you should leave the vehicle and move to higher ground if you can do so safely, NWS guidelines say. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away, particularly in higher waters.
You should not leave your car to enter moving water , according to The Ready Campaign, which focuses on public service around natural and man-made disasters.
Auto site cars.com provides this list of tips for when you’re trapped in your car in quickly rising water.
Do:
Stay calm.
Turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
Unbuckle your seatbelt.
Unlock your doors.
Take any jackets or outer clothing off.
Lower your window slowly. Most electric windows will work unless your car is completely submerged.
If you can lower your windows, climb out, get to higher ground and call 911. If the windows will not open, you’ll have to use a door to get out. But you won’t be able to open a door until the water pressure is equalized between the outside and the inside of your car. This means you’ll have to wait for water to enter the car and fill up to about your neck level.
Once the doors are open, swim to safety and call 911.
Cars.com also offers several tips on what to avoid doing when you’re trapped in your car in floodwaters:
Don’t panic.
Don’t use your energy trying to open the doors, because water pressure will keep them from budging (wait for the pressure to equalize).
Don’t try to save any possessions.
Don’t try to break windows to get out. If water pressure has not equalized, glass will explode inward toward you or other occupants.
Once out, do not stay with your car. Get to high ground.
Do not stand on the roof of your car. If your car is swept away, you’ll be carried away with it. You could also fall and injure yourself if the car shifts abruptly.
Do not return to your car if you think the water level is going down. Water levels could rise without warning. Allow emergency personnel to tow your vehicle to a safe place.
More information about flood safety, including what to do if floodwater enters your home , is available online from the NWS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers safety guidelines related to floodwater.
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