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Flooded Road or Street in Chicago: What to Do
Do not drive into floodwater, even if it looks shallow. You cannot reliably judge its depth, current, debris or road condition from the driver’s seat.
Turn around before entering water
- Do not drive or walk into floodwater or go around a road closure.
- Do not assume a flooded street will drain within a set time.
- If trapped or threatened by rising water, call 911 and follow emergency instructions.
What to do
- Turn around or wait safely
Choose another route or wait at a safe, higher location for official conditions to improve. Do not assume city water will recede in 20 minutes; drainage varies.
- Do not speed through water
Driving faster does not protect the engine and can reduce control, create a dangerous wave, or hide a drop-off. Never go around a closure or barricade.
- If water rises around you
Call 911 if trapped or threatened by rising water. Do not step into moving floodwater. National Weather Service guidance is to remain inside a vehicle trapped in rapidly moving water; if water rises inside, seek refuge on the roof. Follow emergency responders’ instructions.
- If the vehicle stalled in water
Do not attempt to restart it. Water may have entered the engine or electrical systems. When conditions are safe, arrange professional evaluation and ask whether a compatible tow is possible.
Important limit
Rick’s can discuss towing only after the location is safe to access and the vehicle is compatible with wheel-lift equipment. Emergency responders handle immediate danger.
How to reduce the chance of this happening
Before heavy rain, avoid known low spots and check weather alerts. Never use a flooded road as a shortcut.
Need vehicle help after reaching safety?
If water is rising or people are in danger, call 911. Do not enter floodwater to reach a vehicle. After reaching safety, discuss vehicle recovery or towing suitability with Rick’s.
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Sources and vehicle-specific instructions
Follow your vehicle owner’s manual for procedures and equipment limits. These sources informed the general safety guidance:
More help from Rick’s
For a service assessment in Lake View East or Chicago’s North Side, see the towing guide or Rick’s website. Confirm availability, price and vehicle fit by phone.
Need help now?
Call with your exact location, vehicle year and model, symptoms and any safety or access concern.
