driving home on a road I use very often, knew the road
risk vs inconvenience of waiting for waters to subside. Risks mainly of damage to car and
getting stuck in water, but potential was there for worse. The other truck made it through, we
can too. If we don't we will be staying wet and we have not much food and we'd really like to
go home because it was a long hike down from the mountaintop in the rain.
Driving from Walmart Broadway/Pantano to home. Sudden monsoon hit. Roads were
flooding. Waited at Walmart before driving, pulled off road 1 time, into parking lot, waited for
rain to slow down and roads to clear. Started home again. Was in my neighborhood and
roads were flooding. I turned around and used another route. I parked away from the
intersection and waited, it kept raining. I was 2 blocks from my house. Other cars parked on
the side of the road along with me on higher ground. An SUV went through the deepest part.
A car from the other side made it through. I went after that through the "shallowest" part and
went a street over and around to my house. My decision to go was based on the sun setting
and it getting darker, being close to my house and having to get home to my family.
Several cars made it. Otherwise I didn't go ahead.
There were no other routes, even the sidewalk was flooded when I saw others get stuck.
There were no signs of flood, just all the street was flooded.
I waited until the water receded. I wasn't about to be a "statistic."
intersection was 1) not signed (barricade), 2) familiar with area, 3) recognize water depth with
familiar landmarks, bench marks, 4) was at start of storm, knew worst was ahead, 5) last deep
dip before home
Driving a VW bug - crossed was on Tanque Verde Loop - car started to float but we got
through without going off road. I was scared to death. My ex-husband was driving. I would
never stay in the car in that situation again.
last year (fall/winter) heavy rains made many of the main streets flooded. No signs posted. I
felt a little nervous for the after effects of my car driving through. I was very cautious and slow.
I had not lived in Tucson long enough to appreciate the danger and potential problems of
driving through a flooded roadway. My car stalled out and I had to wait several minutes before
I was able to restart it. It was never a risk that car would be swept away, but I contemplated
having to get my car pushed or towed out of the water to be able to get it restarted.
Living in Houston. I was confident I could make it because things were finally going my way.
Going through the water was the 2nd bravest thing I ever did. (1st was leaving my ex.) I was
afrad of harming my car.
I was on McDowell at Agua Fria crossing going to Phoenix. I watched the car ahead go
successfully through. (I think there were barricades.) I had a big heavy car. Some people
were turning around. No one else was in the car. I had not seen washout in middle of paved
road that I have seen later. There were no police or emergency people around. One
barricade. I think close barricades would have changed my mind - I would not have moved
one. Later I saw the washout of the pavement into 1/2 the lane that I crossed.
I knew the roadway well - how deep and it was paved. I judged the speed of the water as
being passable. The width of the water was not too great ~ about 7 feet
particular case: driving pickup truck, water was very shallow, but it began to really pour down.
Observed some vehicles stopped & waiting, but other trucks and 4wd's were getting through. I
had an urgent situation at home and needed to reach my family.
We have a wash across our road (dirt road). Just before getting to our driveway. I waited till
the wash was running lower - at a level I perceived to be safe to drive through.
Heavy monsoon storm - found ourselves on the other side of a flooded wash and we needed to
return to the news station with the video (news story). I do not recall barricades. I asked my
co-worker what they thought of the situation. They were unsure - so we went. I was in a four
wheel drive truck and I felt confident that the water was not too deep.
1. no barricade 2. others are driving in okay. I always see if they can make it or not first (no
barricade)
I was leaving work about 5:30 pm (daylight). Both exits, N. & S., on the one road I could use
were dips, long shallow ones, filled with water. I chose the south one, not as deep, saw
another car go through, & felt I could make it. Halfway through a car coming through the other
way, faster, made waves which got into the exhaust - my engine died. I was very nervous, got
a hold of myself, told myself my car would restart. It did, and I drove through safely. But I
would probably (?) never do it again!
Didn't think it deep - no depression in road. New to Tucson. Other cars got through. My car
stalled and was pushed by a good samaritan.
I had no idea (there was no sign) what was going on and when I realized the road was
basically a river I drove way up high on the side to get out of it. I was new to Tucson and had
no idea that streets were constructed to run water down the middle. What poor street
construction! (Columbus by Fort Lowell)
This street has a normal slight dip. I travel it often. The rain hit, fast & furious. There were no
barricades, although the water was flowing fast and heavy. Some cars were going through,
some turned around and went back. I saw cars crossing, same size as mine. I was on my way
to the movies. Time was not an issue or factor in my decision. I simply weighed the
circumstances and decided to go.
We were coming home from Alpine. The road was flooded around Mule Creek, NM. Hwy 78.
It would be 161 miles to go around. We woul dhave to go to Silver City, NM, then to the
freeway. It was scary.
Many times when I have been on hiking/camping trips in the back country, I have encountered
flooded roadways. I merely use my judgment as to whether or not the roadway is passable.
Bottom line, either I drive through or I find an alternate route.
I watch cars in front of me go. Several them and see how high water is and how strong it
seems. We have one by our neighborhood you have to cross to get out, it rarely closes and is
just signed proceed with caution. Further down the road the washes do get barricaded, but we
know we passed a deeper one further back so what the heck. I only cross on roads close to
my house that I'm familiar with. I'm less likely to cross on an unfamiliar road.
I had used that road 2 hours earlier and knew no hazards. Other cars went there - road was
level, not a dip. If road is flooded and level and other cars going through, generally will go. If a
dip or water actually running will not go through.
On my way home from work I always drive through the wash at Ft. Lowell near Melpommene.
Once, I saw quite a bit of water in the wash, yet the barrier signs were not out. It didn't look
deep (no other cars were around) so I slowly drove in. I was alone in my van and there were
no bystanders. When I got 1/3 in the wahs, I realized the water was deeper than I thought. I
heard branches hit my car and the water was dirty with debris. my heart started beating fast! I
knew no one was around to help me if I got stuck or washed away. I continued, steady on the
gas, and held my breath till I made the other side. I remember wondering why the barricade
signs weren't up - I would never cross if they were up. I was suprised that the water was deep,
yet it hadn't looked deep.
Road flooding in front of me. Once I stopped, the road behind me also flooded. I was on a
narrow swath of land which was quickly growing smaller. It was, basically, do it and rely on me
and my judgment or wait for some higher power. You know the odds of that.
The cars in front of me made it through and it had stopped raining ~20 minutes prior to going
through.
Water 1-3 inches deep. Harrison Rd Pantano Wash. Water waas receeding after storm, no
barricades, or sign flashing.
Long, heavy rain, Grant Road flooded in many places, traffic backed up for miles. I decided to
drive local neighborhood streets to bypass traffic. Encountered flooded neighborhood street
north of Grant, between Country Club and Tucson Blvd. I have high clearance 4WD vehicle, I
saw other vehicles drive through, I decided that I could too. I did.
It was at night, after class. I was going home, I didn't ralize it but the road ahead had a lot of
water on it that was hard to see at first. It caught me off guard or I would have gone another
way. I just drove very slowly so as not to get water in the motor and flood the engine. It was
not a good feeling but I just took my time until I drove through that part of the road.
The family was in vehicle with me. Other vehicles had gotten through and I was driving a big,
sturdy vehicle, if I had been in a car I would have gone another route.
Cars in front made it, short span - 25' +/-, have seen road dry and water depth not great, and
was driving a Ford Excursion, heavy and high. In hind sight probably would not do because I
had too much clean up of vehicle from sand and mud, and there was alternate route. (Always
remember the weight and size of a vehicle is not always the safest. have seen the Pantano at
Golf Links before the bridge wash a cement truck off the road).
Usually I do not drive through flooded roadways. When I did there were no signs posted just a
lot of water. I thought the water level was low enough this time, if there is any doubt I cannot
get through I go another way. Last time I drove through (high) water was on my way to high
school.
I wanted to get home and believed the water could not be too deep as I was quite familiar with
that section of the road. I did feel trepidation that there might be something on the paved road
beneath water that could damage the tires. At no point did I fear that the car could be swept
away. I believe I could have even walked out or through if car stalled. Would NOT have any
deep water.
Flood of 7/31/06 (?). We were flooded in - All exits from approx 30 homes were flooded. Went
through with sherriff escort.
I was in college, with friends in car going down Prince Rd in VW… we floated a ways, but were
lucky to stop and proceed forward. Very dumb action, but very bleessed to be okay.
Clear cues enabling me to assess area was flat, not raining (hadn't been raining that day) thus
decreasing chances of levels rising; standing water vs. running water thus decreasing risks of
vehicle being swept away by forces of stream. Also, usual considerable lag time in removal of
barricades in city and on paved streets it is usually easy to assess water level once storm has
abated and stream level down to a trickle.
A flooded street in Tucson - unable to determine the depth of flow. Late afternoon and some
traffic. I followed a car and truck ahead of me. Yes, I was very concerned, but gained
confidence as I noted the predecessors get through alright. Also, that observation indicated
the depth of the flow; so I went ahead and got safely home. (This street was not noted for
having a dangerously heavy flow and was in mid-town. Otherwise, I'm not inclined to take
chances at any time.)
I had a 4 wheel drive and I knew the depth of the water.
I crossed the Rincon Creek at Old Spanish Trail many times when it was flooded, but once I
was pushing it when the water was a little higher and faster than I guessed. However, I knew I
could make it across. You know you might have problems when your vehicle feels like it is
being moved by the water, or if the sand and debris causes you to get stuck.
When I first came to Tucson in 1958, I worked near the Stone Ave underpass. The first month
I was here, I saw two cars submerged in the underpass, and I was warned by a coworker
never to go into the underpass when water was running down the slope. I heeded that warning
and saw firsthand what could happen. But Tucson at that time had only a handful of bridges.
That meant you either crossed flooded roadways or went nowhere. I never had a serious
incident even though it was routine to cross flowing water. One relied on personal judgment
whether to cross or not. I do believe that water runs deeper than it used to (where there are no
bridges) - hence more danger now.
Would NOT drive through a flooded roadway - period.
I was driving a small, low car and was very anxious. A friend in the car said I could pass, so I
did. After we went through my car stalled. I was unmarried and had no children at the time.
That made all the difference. I wouldn't do it again.
Had not experienced the power of moving water prior to this occurance and water was just
beginning to flood roadway and we had already worked > 12 hours. Fatigue probably factored
into decision along with a reroute that would have added > 1/2 to drive and may have also
been flooded. this was in early 80's and have never considered doing it again because the car
was lifted and almost moved off road into a water ditch.
Considered car ahead, size and speed and how they forded. Considered my vehichle in
comparison and the likelihood of success.
Normally I would not attempt but needed to get home and several other smaller/lower cars
made it through. I was scared, what if water came faster or more debris came. Why can't
something be done to prevent this from happening - drains under road - clean washes of debris
Still water on roadway, barely hubcap deep, sixth in a line of 15 cars
A friend was driving with 4 wheel drive. Was donfident at the time, but looking back it was
stupid.
I was driving in city limits; no barricade; I was alone. I remember no news warnings or socially
unaccepted (stupid motorist law). Water appeared to come up to/above my buick riviera wheel
wells. Scarry (I was scared, not scarred :)). Turn off appeared ahead - I made it. Remember it
well.
Last summer I was taking my husband to the VA Hosp for treatment when we were caught in a
storm. All the streets around us were flooded and power was out. We had to look for a way
out and get to VA. We went through some fairly deep water but it wasn't moving much so I felt
fairly safe.
High truck
Speedway, no dips or gullies. I was returning home from a doctor appointment about 4 pm traffic was heavy - many (most) cars were plowing through the 6" of water. we all knew the
depth of the water because of the curb height. I am very concerned about driving in a
downpour.
Winter flood of Jan-Feb 1993. Had been blocked from going my usual route, went 2 miles N.
Water not as bad there although it was flooded. Saw other cars making it through so I followed
their lead.
Road was moderately flooded on a shortcut to store, car ahead made it fine, no trouble. A
policeman was present, he allowed the first vehicle (a car) to cross. I had a four wheel drive
and he finally allowed me to cross. The flooded roadway was full of rocks, no real danger.
Sink or swim, baby
The wash was Arroyo Chico on Country Club just south of Randolph Way. It is bridged now or
has a culvert. The water was fast but fairly shallow. I started through and lost traction - my
VW actually floated briefly - then I hit the gas and got through. Made mental note to avoid that
wash in future.
It is a roadway on my own property. I know the road (keep it maintained). On a public
roadway I would not drive through a flooded wash.
We were driving in a rural area in Patagonia going to the bird sanctuary. There's a place
where we have to cross a stream bed. It was difficult to judge the depth but it wasn't flowing
too swiftly so my husband said it looked safe.
Came to a flooded wash across Rte 86 on my way west to my work at San Simon School. I
was by myself and I stopped at the wash. No other drivers were there. But I waited until some
truck came. Waited until the pick-up went thorugh east and I was headed west. I could see
that there was little or no large pieces of limbs, mud, sand, etc., so I said a prayer and went
through. I was lucky. Two years ago, my best friend at school got caught in the same wash.
On way home at night water flowing freely across low area. Local area I knew well and no
barricades. I stopped, evaluated depth of water and current - so - took high ride of paved
street and proceeded slowly and crossed without incident. Also, I am experienced off road 4
wheel drive operator and have significant history of driving in and throuh water. Normal to
have other capable vehicles with me.
didn't seem deep
too long ago
Other cars successfully crossed. Time - needed to get to work. Was in pickup truck, 4wd.
Was alone. Didn't look too bad.
Case in point about road crossing walley(?) in WA State. I have decided to drive across but
have many years experience about how high water is over road - They put up signs before it
happens - I have crossed if only little going over roadway.
To be honest, I was out looking for a "fast flowing" street to show visitors from out of town in
paved sections of Tucson. I never drove thorugh any areas that had more than 4-6" of water
and I have a truck that is high enough off the ground that I was not worried.
there was a small dip on Speedway at a wash that had water running through. Cars going east
and west were driving through it. I hesitated, but followed through.
other cars had gone through. I could see that it was not deep water.
At night - couldn't tell depth of water in a big dip in the road - walked to friend's home nearby
and they came and helped push car out and to their house (stalled and wouldn't' start again). I
was scared and a little mad that the car stalled - truly couldn't tell about the dip and don't recall
seeing signs. I'm very wary now.
Serveral of the arterial and (illegible) streets we typically use have the center lower to carry rain
water. The outside (curb side) are normally dry will the center may have up to 10" of water.
With our high vehicles, typically suv's or pickup trucks can safely drive down the curb lanes at
reduced speed. We would never consider driving across a wash like Pantano that is in
flooding, however.
I am from South Carolina and it rains all the time. One time I decided to drive through a
underpass and I was only going through a 2.5 foot water pit. Water got under my tank and on
my battery and shut my truck off.
Taking my mother to a doctor appointment and had no idea how bad Speedway could be
during monsoon. I was just following traffic and was surprised at how much water was on the
road. I tried to find roads with small amounts of water.
Driving home from work on 29th street between park and 6th Ave. Water level was about at
mid-height on tire. Thoughts: What I was thinking, never going to do this again, oh geez I
hope I don't stall. Why?: There is not a whole lot of ways to get from east to west on the south
side of Tucson (Streets that have storm drains). Roads are poorly cared for and a lack of
emergency preparedness, including adequate police and emergency response. Normall I try to
avoid driving in Tucson during monsoons.
other vehicles crossed ahead of me. I tell newcomers to pull off the road and have a cup of
coffee during heavy rains.
A few years ago, I was driving on an unfamiliar road just after a violent thunderstorm. I came
to a flooded area and considered pulling off to the side to wait for the water to recede. A police
officer at the far side of this area motioned for me to proceed, slowly, through the water. i did
so with no problem. If he had not been there, I would not have attempted to do so. i assumed
he had checked the road before i, or any other drivers arrived at that area, to be sure it was
safe to proceed.
Lack of knowledge of danger on paved streets.
only went through water covered street once shortly after I moved here and didn't realize the
danger and also did it because the car in front of me went through. Some of my answers may
not be the norm - but you have to realize that I am 80 years old. (signed)
1. Flooded area was a wash - not a long distance across. 2. " " " within 2 blocks of home. 3.
Depth of water known as wash was familiar. 4. I parked and watched water to discern
swiftness and depth of current for several minutes by (b4?) crossing.
Friend needed to get home.
Frustrated that we do not have a better drainage system. Do not like being in the situation, but
sometimes flooded areas are not very deep to cross. I make sure it will not damage vehicle or
wait out the flood.
family in mountains waiting, no other route, 4wd
During recent monsoon, W Speedway was partially flooded between W Anklam and Camino
de Oueste, as a result of a storm on the Tucson Mts. As I cam down from Gates Pass there
was considerable water on the road, and a good flow across W Speedway in the area named
above. I slowed, observed other vehicles moving safely through the water, and did so myself.
Key element was observation of others, knowledge the rain was ceasing, and observation that
the flow was steady, not increasing.
All streets in area were flooded. Most of the water was not moving and street was paved. It
was still raining and I thought it best to get to safer area.
Although some cars refused to drive through I thought my truck could make it. I didn't but the
truck behind mepushed me out.
Many streets in Tucson turn into mini-rivers when a monsoon hits. I've lived here a long time
and have driving on streets with 5-6" flooding - no problem. Lived here prior to many bridges.
We waited until flood passed. Todays human beings are not so patient.
Smaller cars making it through. Large trucks enabled me to see pavement was intact as they
passed through.
On several occasions at one location. There was flooding and I learned from past experience
and the experience of cars in front of me what levels of water were safe to procede through the
water. At no point in my experiences was the water level too high to prevent me from
proceding through it.
It had not rained for several days. However this flood started near the Patagonia Mountains went into Mexico - came north to Tucson. It was during the rainy season. We were stuck in
the dry sand bed of the Santa Cruz River. ------- You may contact me about that experience if
you wish. It was my second observed flash flood. The 1st was about 2 ft high in Pantano
Wash. I was out with my father, who was Pima County Engineer, checking bridges.
I will only drive through if I first see another vehicle similar in size to mine make it easily. Or if I
get out and physically scout the road surface.
I was trying to get to a meeting across town. I was the leader for this meeting and felt that I
needed to be there. I was around Glenn St, between Country Club and Campbell. The
meeting was at La Cholla and Orange Grove. I kept thinking that it's probably not even
flooding over there. The water on the street was really deep but I was in a pick-up truck so I
thought I could just keep going. I droveslow and just kept going until I got to Campbell and
then everything was fine. But there was so much water and rain it was vary scary until I got to
Campbell.
Wide shallow flood channel. Water about 6" deep. No signs/barricades.
Seeing another vehicle pass through made a huge impact on my decision. I also believed that
because I was in a large and heavy vehicle I was somehow "safer."
Friend was driving - we were in high school - stoned - 3 am - every other way was flooded as
well - we chose route with the least apparent water on road - we almost got swept away - one
of the scariest nights ever!!! I remember that we tried like 3 different routes home and we
couldn't go back to where we came from because the guy I had a crush on was there. We
were in my friend's crappy car - we looked at each other and said ok - let's go. We were so
scared and then the car started sputtering when we were about 1/2 way through. I though we
were done - but somehow her car made it. Ranks one of the highest in the long list of stupid
things we did when we were young!!
Signs were up but water was a trickle, not flooded. Quite often barricades/signs are up
blocking however road has no water or a trickle going across the street. The previous night it
was heavily flowing but they didn't remove the signs.
When water is really high you don't go home you have to wait. It's just smart. We drive
through the water on Speedway all the time you just take the median side no t the gutter side.
All cars in front made it across.
It was too flooded almost completely on the streets around my home. I could not take the
streets to my house. I ended up making a complete square on the main roads to my house.
On the south side there was finally a street without standing water in the center of the street,
though there were plenty on the sides of said road. Police officers and signs kept me off the
roads. Where there was no police presence cars attempted to cross only to being close to
swept away.
No barriers but water running.