Flash Flooding Alert Issued; Don't Drive Through Standing Water Or Around Barricades

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Madison and most of southern Connecticut. 

Heavy rain Friday afternoon could continue through the evening, according to NWS: "Moderate to locally heavy rainfall will be possible today into the first part of tonight as a cold front moves through the region. Localized flash flooding is a possibility with any thunderstorms that develop." 

Don't drive through standing water. Don't drive around barricades. Barricades are set up either because there is a hazardous situation ahead, because emergency workers are working, or both. Driving around barricades can endanger you and, potentially, the emergency workers. 

In Madison, according to Madison 911, people are often tempted to drive through standing water at the railroad overpass near Nathan's Lane. Don't! Here's why: 

" ... the water gets very deep there. We always get at least one or two vehicles stranded there during every storm and a wrecker service will NOT come out for you until the water has receded." 

If there is standing water on the Boston Post Road near Nathan's Lane, slow down, and carefully turn around. Make your way back to the highway exit, either Goose Lane in Guilford or the Route 79 exit in Madison. 

Here is some information from Progressive Insurance: 

• Pay attention to barricades.

• Don't ignore them by driving past them.

• Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.

• The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.