SAN ANTONIO — When a significant storm blew through the San Antonio area Tuesday night, firefighters across the city received all kinds of calls for help.
There were numerous power outages, a couple of fires that appeared connected to lightning strikes and a handful of calls for people who ended up in high water.
At around 11 p.m., firefighters responded to a place that's very familiar to rescue crews: the railroad underpass where South St. Mary's Street turns into Roosevelt Avenue.
While the call was for a possible person in the water, what first responders found was a roadway obstructed by high water. As the flashing lights of the fire truck warned oncoming motorists of the possible danger, numerous drivers continued to creep through the high water anyway.
Only a few crept up to the water's edge and made the decision to take an alternate route.
"That's what we always say: Turn around, don't drown," said Joe Arrington, spokesperson for the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD).
Noting that both big trucks and small sedans were splashing through the danger zone, Arrington said, "You could have a big truck or a low-rider. Whatever you have, don't chance it, because the reality is not only could you face a fine if you go around a barricade, you're putting your life at risk.
"Realistically, you're putting our life at risk if we have to come fish you out of there."
Arrington said the fact that the storm swept through the area quickly isn't a good enough excuse to take unnecessary risks.
"It's simple. Don't risk it. Turn around. Go a different way. This is a big city, there are multiple ways to get everywhere we're going," Arrington said. "Do not go around barricades. Even if you're there before the barricades, don't risk it. It's not worth it. It's a few minutes of your day."
Arrington said having a plan in mind before the rain starts is always a good idea, pointing out there are known trouble spots where drains clog and water backs up regularly.
"We see the water rise on the lower level (of the freeway) downtown. We see it under railroad bridges, anywhere that doesn't drain well. The drains could be clogged up with litter or whatever, so don't risk it," he said. "Just know these areas around your home, around where you work that tend to flood, and avoid them."
Life, or death, can come at you fast.
"The reality is it only takes a little bit of water, a foot of water, to carry a vehicle away," Arrington said. "If it's just standing water, it could be deeper than you expect."
More helpful information about many different emergency situations can be found on this fire department website.
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