DES MOINES, Iowa — In an active day of severe weather in central Iowa, flash flooding hit areas like Jasper and Tama counties and the Des Moines metro.
Streets and neighborhoods with lower elevation compared to the surrounding area, like Euclid Avenue and Fourmile Creek, saw significant flooding. However, residents said that flash flooding in these areas is normal during severe weather.
Des Moines resident Sandy Doss told Local 5 News: "I've lived in Des Moines my whole life and this is not the first time this has done this."
At least half a foot of water covered Euclid Avenue and filled storms drains along the street, making it difficult for water levels to descend and creating dangerous driving conditions.
As of Tuesday morning, Des Moines police had assisted nearly one dozen stalled cars in standing water.
"We still are a little shocked when we see people try to drive around a stalled car that's in standing water," said DMPD Sgt. Paul Parizek. "Because that is pretty predictable what is going to happen if you do the same."
DMPD and the Iowa Department of Transportation blocked off parts of Euclid Avenue Tuesday morning and early afternoon due to the flooded streets and number of cars getting stuck and flooded.
Doss, who had planned on driving through the water, stopped when she realized her small Ford Focus couldn't make it through the "puddle" nor over the median to go back around.
"My husband went through some water like that and it ruined his engine," she said. "And I think I'm too low to get over that curb ... I think I'll have to wait until no cars are coming and go down this street backwards."
After Iowa DOT blocked off Euclid Avenue, Doss turned her car around safely.
If you are stuck in a flash flooding event in a car, the best thing to do is find "high ground" as fast as you can. If that is not possible, you'll want to get out of the car climb on top of it and call 911.
