Summer afternoons in many parts of the country bring sudden thunderstorms. Heavy rain can overwhelm storm drains and turn low streets, underpasses and parking lots into ponds in a short time. Where you park before a storm can determine whether your car stays dry or ends up with water inside.
Watch the forecast and local alerts
Check the forecast before you park for a long stretch, especially during storm season. The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for flash flooding and severe storms, and many phones receive emergency alerts automatically. Coastal areas may also see flooding at high tide, especially during storms or unusually high tides, and some coastal towns post flooding information on their official websites.
Spots to avoid when storms are possible
- Low-lying streets and parking lots, especially near creeks, rivers or the coast
- Underpasses and dips in the road
- Lower levels of underground garages, which can flood
- Spaces near storm drains that tend to back up
- Spots under large trees, which can drop branches in high winds
Look for clues: water lines on walls, debris left by past floods and signs warning of flooding. Locals often know which streets flood, so if you are visiting, ask your hotel or host.
Better places to park
Higher ground is the simplest choice. Upper levels of parking garages can protect your car from both flooding and hail, though top levels are open to wind and lightning. A middle level of a garage on high ground is often a good compromise. When a severe storm is coming, some towns open garages for residents to park in, so check local announcements.
If water starts rising
Never walk or drive into floodwater. Even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and a small amount of water can float a car. Water may also hide washed-out roads, open drains or debris. The guidance from the National Weather Service is simple: turn around, do not drown.
If your car is in a flooding area and you can safely reach it before water rises, moving it to higher ground can help. If water is already rising around it, stay away. Your safety matters much more than the car.
After the storm
If your car was in floodwater, do not start it until it has been checked. Water can damage engines, electrical systems and brakes. Contact your insurance company and a qualified mechanic for advice. Even after water recedes, look for signs such as damp carpets, a musty smell or a water line inside the doors.
Hail is another summer risk in some regions. If hail is forecast, a covered garage or carport is the best protection. Some drivers keep a thick blanket or a padded car cover for emergencies, but never go outside to cover a car while hail or lightning is active.
Summer storms often pass quickly. A few minutes of thought about where you park can keep a short downpour from turning into a long repair.
Reading a Parking Spot for Flood Risk
You do not need to be an engineer to judge whether a space might flood. A short look around before you walk away can tell you a lot.
- Look at the slope. Water runs downhill. If your car sits at the lowest point of a lot or street, it is where water will gather first.
- Find the drains. Storm drains clogged with leaves, trash or sand cannot carry water away. A blocked drain next to your space is a warning sign.
- Check the curb height. Low curbs and shallow gutters fill quickly in heavy rain. Higher curbs offer a little more margin.
- Notice nearby water. Creeks, drainage canals, retention ponds and tidal marshes can rise faster than you might expect.
- Think about how long you will be gone. A short errand during a clear afternoon carries less risk than leaving the car overnight while storms are in the forecast.
What watches and warnings mean
The National Weather Service uses a few key terms. A watch means conditions are favorable for a hazard such as flash flooding or severe storms; it is time to prepare. A warning means the hazard is happening or expected soon in your area; it is time to act. When a flash flood warning is issued where you are parked, moving to higher ground, if it is safe to do so, is the priority.
Parking Mistakes in Storm Season
- Assuming a garage is safe at every level. Underground and lower levels can take on water quickly in heavy rain or storm surge.
- Parking in a low spot because it was dry when you arrived. Conditions can change within an hour during a summer storm.
- Driving through standing water to reach a space. You cannot tell how deep the water is or what lies beneath it.
- Leaving windows or sunroofs cracked. Summer storms can come up quickly. Close everything when you park.
- Returning to the car during lightning. Wait inside a building until the storm passes.
Storm Parking Questions
How can I tell if a used car I am considering was flooded?
Signs can include a musty smell, damp or new carpets in an older car, rust in unusual places, silt under seats or in the trunk and fogging inside lights. A vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can help.
Is it okay to park under a tree in a storm?
It is better to avoid large trees during high winds. Branches can fall, and trees can be struck by lightning.
Does car insurance cover flood damage?
Coverage depends on your policy. Comprehensive coverage often includes flood damage, but terms vary. Check with your insurance company or agent for your specific policy.
What should I keep in the car during storm season?
A flashlight, a phone charger, a small first aid kit, drinking water and a rain jacket are good basics. If you live in a flood-prone area, know your evacuation routes and keep your fuel tank at least half full.
Where can I find out which streets flood in a town I am visiting?
Ask your hotel, rental host or a local business. Some towns post flood-prone streets or tidal flooding information on their official websites. Locals are often the best source.
A minute spent checking the ground around your car can be the difference between a soggy afternoon and a costly repair.
