An 80-year-old man in North Carolina died tragically while attempting to drive through a flooded road during a historic rainfall event. The man, Richard Walton Robinson, ignored warnings from stationary sheriff’s office vehicles and drove his SUV into high waters on NC 211, resulting in his vehicle becoming fully submerged. Despite efforts from a water rescue team, Robinson could not be found at the scene.
The following day, Robinson’s SUV was located by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team with him deceased inside. Authorities confirmed that alcohol and speed were not factors in the accident and that the investigation is ongoing. This incident occurred as the North Carolina coast experienced historic rainfall and flash flooding, with some coastal towns receiving over a foot of rain in just 12 hours, a rare occurrence happening once every 200 years on average.
Floods are a common danger in the United States, including in North Carolina. They can be caused by excessive rain, hurricanes, or dam failures, posing a threat to both individuals and property. Ready NC, an emergency preparedness agency, advises people to avoid driving into flooded areas, leave their vehicle if surrounded by floodwaters, and stay away from swollen streams and rivers. The agency emphasizes that even a few inches of water can be hazardous, and urges caution when dealing with flooding situations.
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