What happens to vehicles during a flash flood?

During a flash flood, vehicles can float towards deeper water due to the significant force of moving water. This phenomenon occurs because most cars are not designed to withstand the buoyancy effect of water when the depth rises to a certain level. Even if a vehicle appears to be sturdy and secure, once water rises above the doors or the wheels, it can lose contact with the ground, causing it to float and get swept away by the current. This behavior is particularly dangerous, as the water can move with great speed and potentially carry the vehicle into a more hazardous situation.

The other scenarios presented do not accurately reflect the reality of vehicles in flash flood conditions. For instance, vehicles remaining stationary might be possible if they are parked in a safe location, but generally, floodwaters can quickly rise, impacting even parked cars. Driving out of the flood can be an option only if the water is shallow enough and not moving rapidly, which is rarely the case during a flash flood. The notion that vehicles are unaffected by water is a misconception, as even minor flooding can affect a vehicle's operation and control.