Emergency responders in Central Florida had their hands full the past several days with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

  • Hurricane Irma left standing water around Central Florida
  • Emergency responders helping people, vehicles stuck in it
  • FHP urges people to be alert  

One of their biggest challenges has been dealing with all the standing water left from the storm's onslaught and helping people and vehicles stuck in it, including their own.

"During Hurricane Irma, as troopers, we went out and looked all over the interstates to see what kinds of standing water we had on the interstates,” Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Montiero said.  “Even with us, going way below the speed limit, our vehicles were having issues negotiating that."

When you are going through all of that standing water, your tires lose traction and you start losing control of your vehicle.  Although you may be alert, your car just is not prepared to go through several inches of water.  And there may be other hazards out there to account for as well.

"One, we don't have X-Ray vision,” said Montiero.  “We can't see what's on the roadway.  We don't know what kind of animals are in that water.  The last thing we want is to be stuck in a large puddle of water and have a gator knocking on your driver side window.  Or power lines.  And then you get out in this water and you're getting shocked."

Officials suggest that if you do accidentally find yourself in standing water (which you should try to avoid at all costs) you should proceed slowly.  If you do end up getting stuck in that water, they want you to get out and get on top of your vehicle and dial emergency responders.  If you are gunning it through a particular area it could have other effects besides flooding your engine.

"You're pushing water all through your engine at this point,” explained Montiero.   “Not only could you damage your car, that water can now enter your vehicle, the homes around you, businesses.  You're actually causing a wake zone where there is normally not even water.  You're pushing water onto people's homes, onto people's yards that normally are dry and are out there mowing your grass."