“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: With spring being here and the melting snow, can you talk about what a person should do when coming across water on roads?

Answer: Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is run-off from deep snow or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and find another  route to get to your destination.
• Be cautious, especially at night, when the visibility is limited.
• Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
• Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can hide dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways by washing away the underlying road surface.
• If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).