Warning over driving risks during flooding threat

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch to portions of south-central Texas, including the I-35 corridor. Forecasters say widespread rainfall of more than two inches, with up to ten inches of rain possible. That could lead to rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying, flood-prone locations flooding quickly. Every year we see drivers overestimate what their vehicle can do and underestimate what floodwaters can do. The impact is already being felt across Texas. We're seeing some areas in the San Antonio area, west of San Antonio, some areas in Houston. So we're really seeing impacts of rain and flash flooding throughout the state. Here in central Texas, Hayes County reported heavy rain Tuesday. Williamson County is under a flood watch until Thursday evening. In Pflugerville, the flooding prompting a trail closure alert for Pflugerville Park low-water crossing, Gillian Creek Trail low-water crossing near Windermere Park, Springbrook Trail and Underpass low-water crossing at Railroad. And it only takes 12 inches of water, moving water, to wash away a vehicle, so it's so important to take flooding seriously. TxDOT says most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Never drive around barricades as you don't know how deep the water is. Even when the water recedes, the ground may be unstable. Just watch out for those areas, any kind of creeks that are a little bit low on a hill or anything like that. Just try to stay, pay attention, slow down, watch out for any water over the road and staying weather aware of the next couple of days. Another challenge on the road in wet weather, autonomous vehicles. In May, a Waymo stalled at a puddle, bringing traffic to a standstill at North Lamar and In April, an unoccupied Waymo in San Antonio was washed away into a waterway. A Waymo spokesperson says the vehicle has been recovered and the company is refining its operations and flood monitoring mitigation plans. You don't know what's going to be around you, so just always pay attention, stay patient with what kind of conditions may happen out on the roadway. If you do have to travel, AAA recommends reducing your speed, improving visibility by using your headlights and keeping an emergency escape tool inside your vehicle.