Floodwater Is Not a Shortcut: Why “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” Matters
Published June 6, 2026
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During flooding, road decisions can become high consequence very quickly. Official guidance is straightforward: **Turn Around, Don’t Drown**.
Why flooded roads are dangerous
- Water depth is difficult to judge from a vehicle.
- Road surfaces may be damaged or washed out below the water.
- Moving water can push vehicles and people off course.
- Night and low visibility increase uncertainty.
- Barricades indicate a road is not safe to enter.
People should not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
Plan before travel
- Identify alternate routes in advance, especially around low-water crossings.
- Check official road closures and local emergency management updates.
- Avoid unnecessary night travel during active flood conditions.
- Tell someone your route and check-in plan if conditions are unstable.
The HazardNow dashboard can provide broader weather and public-signal context, but road-closure and flood instructions should come from official local sources.
For broader planning, review emergency preparedness resources and see what HazardNow tracks.
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For official alerts, warnings, evacuation notices, or emergency instructions, use authoritative sources and local agencies.