Officials issue safety reminders as roads remain flooded across Central Virginia

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Floodwaters have kept roads closed across Prince George and Dinwiddie counties.

After another round of severe storms the evening of Monday, July 14, 8News heard from residents who shared that flooding in their neighborhoods was some of the worst they'd seen in decades.

Prince George County Fire and EMS is reminding residents to practice safety when it comes to driving and living around flooded roadways.

“If you see high water -- if you see even water that’s above normal on the road you drive every day, don’t chance it," said Hannah Thomas, public information officer for the fire department.

The most important thing to do if you're driving and encounter water on the road is "Turn around, don't drown" -- no matter how shallow the water looks. Flooded roads are dangerous and can quickly turn deadly.

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"There’s no point in taking that chance," Thomas said. "There’s just no point in risking your life, your car, your safety, or the safety of the people in the car with you, or the safety of our emergency crews.”

If you have loved ones who will be on the road, make sure they're aware of the situation in your area.

Flooding on Baxter Road and Baxter Ridge Drive in Prince George County on July 15. (Photo: Mark Morales/8News)

Flooding on Baxter Road and Baxter Ridge Drive in Prince George County on July 15. (Photo: Mark Morales/8News)

Flooding on Baxter Road and Baxter Ridge Drive in Prince George County on July 15. (Photo: Mark Morales/8News)

The corner of Baxter Road and Baxter Ridge Drive experienced flooding into the evening of Tuesday, July 15.

Thomas told 8News about a rescue situation that happened there on Tuesday morning.

“The caller said that his car was flooding, and that he could see the water enter his car and come up to his ankles," Thomas said.

She explained that the caller was told he should exit his car if he could do so safely.

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"He was able to get out of the car before it took on more water," Thomas said. "So when our crews got there, they didn’t have to worry about rescuing a person -- they just had to worry about pulling a car out.”

Thomas said that, if you can't get to your home because of flooding, call 911. Dispatchers can put you in contact with Red Cross services.

If you experience flooding in your home, rescue services say to stay inside and wait for help. Do not wade into the water unless it is absolutely necessary.