An Austin, Texas, driver had to be rescued Monday morning after officials said an SUV went around barricades and became stuck on a flooded road. According to KXAN, video showed the SUV driving past barricades into a flooded section of roadway. The incident happened as heavy rain caused low-water crossings to close across Central Texas.
According to CBS Austin, Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the 10100 block of Old San Antonio Road near I-35. Officials said the driver got stuck in floodwaters after driving around a barricade that had blocked off the road. Austin Fire also assisted in the rescue.
ATCEMS said crews rescued the driver from the flooded area. Officials said the driver had only minor injuries. The scene was cleared before 5:30 a.m., though the vehicle remained on the flooded roadway.
The crossing had already been closed before the rescue. According to ATXFloods.com, the Old San Antonio Road crossing closed at 4:22 a.m. Monday. However, officials said the driver still went around the barricade and tried to cross the flooded section.
How the Old San Antonio Road Rescue Happened
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CBS Austin reported that heavy rain had already closed dozens of low-water crossings across Central Texas. Old San Antonio Road near I-35 was among the crossings that had been shut down before the SUV entered the water. Officials said barricades were in place, but the driver went around them and continued into the flooded section.
Officials said the driver became stuck after entering the flooded roadway. ATCEMS responded to the scene, and Austin Fire assisted with getting the driver out safely. Fortunately, the driver was reported to have only minor injuries.
Why Officials Warn Drivers Not to Cross Flooded Roads
The National Weather Service warns drivers not to go around barriers blocking a flooded road. The agency says the road may be washed out under the water, even when the surface does not look especially deep. It also says 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, while 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
Ignoring barriers is also a legal risk in Texas. According to TxDOT guidance cited by KXAN in prior flood-safety coverage, drivers who go around barriers at flooded roadways or low-water crossings may face a fine of up to $2,000. Still, the larger issue is the danger to the driver and to the first responders who have to enter the water for a rescue.