Earlier this month, one storm chaser came across a dangerous flash flood and jumped into action to help rescue those in need, an effort that he hopes will serve as an example of what people should do if they come across a flooded road.
AccuWeather Storm Chaser Aaron Rigsby was in western Texas on Thursday, June 1, when thunderstorms erupted over the small town of O’Donnell, located about 40 miles south of Lubbock.
The thunderstorms were setting up in a dangerous pattern known as “training,” when storms repeatedly hit the same area over an extended period of time, triggering significant flooding.
Rigsby made his way toward O’Donnell on Highway 87, when just north of the town, he came across a stretch of road that was submerged in floodwaters with vehicles stranded at least halfway under water.
So he got his feet wet and sprang into action.
“I was trying to go out in the water, see how deep it was, see if I could get to her,” he continued. “All of a sudden, a semi came beside me.”
Once he reached them, Rigsby said he kept the stranded people calm as he helped them get out of their flooded vehicles and walked with them across the flooded road until they were safe on dry ground.
At first, he was confused by the invitation, but then found out that one of the people who he helped rescue was a manager at a Raising Cane’s restaurant who had told the company about Rigsby’s valiant efforts.
Raising Cane’s hosted a small celebration for Rigsby to thank him, which included a free dinner, a gift card and some shirts.
When reflecting on the heart-pounding rescue, Rigsby said that he hopes that it can be an opportunity to teach people about what to do if they find themselves in a similar flooding situation.
As little as a foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle, so experts urge motorists to avoid driving across a road that is flooded.
Produced in association with AccuWeather
Edited by Asad Ali and Saba Fatima
