We are facing historic flood levels through the weekend

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to his Facebook page on 2025-12-11 15:51:14.

We are facing historic flood levels through the weekend. Water over the roadways can be deceiving, please abide by road closure signs for your safety.

There’s lots of water over roads right now and some cities and counties may not be able to get road closed signs up fast enough. First, if you see a road closed sign, don’t go around it. It’s there for your protection. A flooded road may have hidden dangers such as washed out roadbeds or underwater obstructions. Second, if you see water on the roadway without a sign, turn around and find another way. People often underestimate the power of flowing water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock an adult off their feet. Most vehicles begin to lose contact with the road in six inches of water. They can be swept away in 12-18 inches of flowing water. This includes pickups and SUVs. People think because their vehicle is heavy, it will do just fine. That simply isn’t the case. When approaching a flooded roadway remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown!