Why Should You Never Drive Into Flooded Streets?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hello, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why should you never drive into flooded streets?

The Big Idea

Floodwater is much more powerful than it looks. Just about 30 centimeters, or about a foot, of moving water can float many cars. And you cannot see what is under the muddy water, so the road might even be gone.

Water Pushes

Step one: moving water pushes. Water is heavy, and when it moves, it pushes hard against everything in its way. Even a small depth can push a car sideways.

Cars Can Float

Step two: cars can float. A car has air trapped inside, so it can float when water is about 30 centimeters deep. Then the current can sweep it away, along with the people inside.

Hidden Dangers

Step three: hidden dangers. Brown floodwater hides washed-out roads, deep holes, and fast currents. It can also hide sharp things and electrical hazards.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a flooded road! The water on top of the road might look shallow. But under the surface, the road could be washed out. And the current can push a car away. So turn around and take another way.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Only about 30 centimeters of moving water can float many cars. The slogan is: turn around, don't drown! A road under floodwater may be completely gone. If a car is ever stuck in rising water, grown-ups call emergency services right away, and everyone moves to higher ground if they can do so safely.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Memorize the slogan with your family: turn around, don't drown. Make up hand motions to help everyone remember it. Draw your own flood warning sign. Ask: why is it risky when you cannot see the bottom of the water?

Outro

Floodwater is stronger than it looks. Turn around, don't drown! Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!