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'Turn around don't drown': Safety tips if the roads flood

Just six inches of water can stall your car and cause you to lose control and things get even more dangerous with a foot of water.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — We hear it all the time, turn around don't drown. 

With potential flooding impacting our state from Hurricane Dorian, News19 is on your side with what to do if water floods the road you are traveling.

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As Hurricane Dorian continues to move up the coast, the Midlands and Lowcountry could potentially see flooding. If the road you're on is suddenly covered in water, remember don't drive through it. 

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Just six inches of water can stall your car and cause you to lose control. Things get even more dangerous with a foot of water. That much water can cause a small car to float. Water two feet deep can wash away most vehicles.

South Carolina highway Patrol said if you see water on the road and you're not sure how deep it is, don't chance it. 

"As we saw in the floods of 2015 we saw many lives that were endangered when they attempted to cross the flood waters and were swept away," Trooper David Jones said. "Not only is it dangerous for yourself, it also puts first responders in harms way, so be smart about it. We always say turn around don't drown, if you see a road that is flooded or you see barricades up do not go around them."

Jones also warns drivers to be cautious of washed out roads.

RELATED: I-26 lane reversals in South Carolina to end Wednesday

"What you don't see underneath is roads that have been washed away where it may leave a big void that pretty much swallows the entire vehicle when they drive through it," Jones said.

If you see flooding, downed power lines or roads washed away report them to Highway Patrol by dialing *47.

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