Pa. urges motorists to never drive through flooded roadways

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 25—WILKES-BARRE — PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll on Monday reminded motorists that it's hurricane season, and Pennsylvania is no stranger to heavy rain and flooding.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are urging motorists to never drive through flooded roadways.

"Please, be safe," Carroll said. "If a road is flooded, don't try to drive through it. It takes just two feet of fast-moving water to carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs."

PEMA Director Randy Padfield said it's important to understand and be aware of flash flood watches and flash flood warnings, particularly at night, especially at night when flooding is harder to see..

"Regardless of whether it is a watch or warning, delaying unnecessary travel until after the immediate threat has passed is always a good option because water can rapidly rise and impede your ability to get yourself and your loved ones to safety," Padfield said.

—When heavy rain is in the forecast, motorists should be alert for potential flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas.

—Drivers should always obey warning signs and traffic control devices, and never drive through flooding or standing water on roads.

—Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.

—Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.

Anyone who drives around barriers intended to close a road can face increased penalties if emergency responders are called to rescue motorists who disregard traffic control signs.

"A fine of $250 for ignoring barricades doubles to $500 if first responders must rescue you or call a tow truck," said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. "Additionally, you get billed for the emergency response. Aside from fines and likely car repairs, consider the danger to your life and others. It's not worth the risk."

Motorists are also reminded that Pennsylvania law requires headlights to be turned on anytime a vehicle's wipers are needed. Drivers should turn on their full headlights during rain events as the daylight running lights feature on some vehicles does not automatically turn on the taillights.

Some of Pennsylvania's biggest impacts from tropical systems have occurred in September (Lee, 2011 and Ida, 2021) and October (Sandy, 2012). More than half of all tropical cyclone-related deaths in the United States over the past decade have been from inland flooding.

The National Weather Service reminds everyone to "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" in flash flooding.

For more information about flooding, visit — https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

You can check the forecast throughout hurricane season by visiting — www.hurricanes.gov and www.weather.gov.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.