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'Turn around, don't drown' | Central Pa. drivers urged to take precautions driving through heavy storms, flooded roads

With remnants of Tropical Storm Debby threatening to bring more heavy weather to the region, safety experts advise drivers to avoid flooded roads.

CONESTOGA, Pa. — Communities across central Pa. are expected to see more storms, as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move up the east coast.

And that could mean more flooding.

In Pequea Township, Lancaster County, first responders were called out to Marticville Road after heavy storms caused a nearby creek to flood part of the road. Neighbors told FOX43 that one person had to be pulled out of their car after trying to drive through the water.

“We don’t recommend anyone drive through standing water," said Doni Lee Spiegel, a spokesperson for AAA Central Penn. "You don’t know what’s in that water; there could be obstacles you can’t even see.”

Storms that are forecasted for later this week could cause driving conditions to get worse, according to Spiegel. She said drivers will need to take extra precautions when driving in the rough weather.

“It’s important to make sure you have your headlights on, make sure your wipers are functioning well, and you want to lower your speed," said Spiegel.

She also said drivers should be prepared to pull off safely from the road if the visibility gets worse during a storm.  

“If your visibility is low, then everyone else, they’re not going to see you," said Spiegel. "So, it’s important to make sure you get off the road and into a parking lot, or somewhere that’s more safe.”

She added that people should remember the phrase “turn around, don’t drown” if they encounter flooded roads. If you do end up in a situation where your car gets stuck on a flooded road, Spiegel said you should abandon your car and get yourself to higher ground to be safe.

“If that car gets swept away, it becomes a big, heavy, and dangerous object," she said.

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