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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Driving Through Flooded Roads: Why You Should Always Turn Around
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard, the National Weather Service says, and citing the CDC, it says over half of flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Whether it is a flooded underpass or a low road after a heavy storm, this guide explains why you should never drive into flood water, how little water it takes to move a car, and what to do instead.
6 in.of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult (NWS)
12 in.of rushing water can carry away most cars (NWS)
2 ft.of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks (NWS)
Over 1/2of flood drownings involve a vehicle driven into flood water (CDC, via NWS)
The short answer
Do not drive into a flooded road, and never drive around a barricade. The road under the water may have collapsed, the water may be deeper than it looks, and it takes only about a foot of rushing water to carry away most cars. Turn around and find another route. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
Why flooded roads are so dangerous
The National Weather Service says more deaths occur each year due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it says over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water; the next highest share of flood-related deaths is people walking into or near flood waters.
People underestimate the force and power of water, the NWS says, and many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road: the road may have collapsed under that water.
From the National Weather Service, "Flood safety: driving into flood water," read October 27, 2026. The underpass and low-road example in the introduction is ours.
How little water it takes
The National Weather Service gives these figures on two of its flood safety pages:
| Water | What it can do | NWS page |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inches, fast-moving | Knock over an adult | Flood-driving safety page |
| 6 inches, moving | Knock you off your feet | During a Flood |
| 12 inches, rushing | Carry away most cars | Flood-driving safety page |
| 12 inches | Float a car or small SUV | During a Flood |
| 18 inches | Carry away large vehicles | During a Flood |
| 2 feet, rushing | Carry away SUVs and trucks | Flood-driving safety page |
From the National Weather Service, "Flood safety: driving into flood water" and "During a Flood," read October 27, 2026. The two pages describe the depths slightly differently; either way, a foot or two of water is enough to move a vehicle.
What to do when the road ahead is flooded
The National Weather Service's advice for drivers and anyone near flood water:
Turn around
Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Turn around and find another route.
Assume it is deeper
Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires and chemicals.
Do not walk in it
It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point.
Stay informed
Water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Monitor local radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio. If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
From the National Weather Service, "During a Flood" and "Flood safety: driving into flood water," read October 27, 2026. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds, the NWS says.
Routine checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Flooded roads FAQ
Is it safe to drive through a flooded road?
No. The National Weather Service says it is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Turn around and find another way.
How much water does it take to move a car?
The NWS flood-driving safety page says just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars and 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Its "During a Flood" page says 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches can carry away large vehicles.
Can I drive around a barricade if the water looks shallow?
No. The NWS says never to drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road, because the road may have collapsed under that water. Water may be deeper than it appears.
What can be hidden under flood water?
The National Weather Service lists sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires and chemicals among the hazards flood water can hide.
How dangerous is it to walk in flood water?
The NWS says as little as 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. Walking into or near flood waters is the second-highest cause of flood-related deaths.
Why are flooded roads so deadly?
The NWS cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: over half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The NWS adds that many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check and brake inspection, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Flood safety guidance is from the National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026, including figures it attributes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Flood safety: driving into flood water (flood deaths, water depths, barricades), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- During a Flood (avoid flood waters, hidden hazards, water depths), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026