
Remember That Time I Drowned My Car?
After this weekend's crazy storm and Flash Flood Warning, I thought sharing this story again would be appropriate.
About eight years ago, shortly after I had joined the morning show, I drowned my car.

It was Labor Day weekend, if I remember correctly. Some friends and I were on our way to meet up with some other friends to have a drink. It had been raining, but we didn't think too much of it. The rain was pretty heavy so visibility wasn't great, but I didn't think it would be a big deal. Just drive carefully. We are cruising along and then all of a sudden at 49th and Louise, I drive into a lake that formed in the intersection.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "What kind of idiot doesn't see a huge body of water like that?" This idiot. I must say I was one of you. When I would see stories on TV of cars stuck in water or pictures I would think, "How do you even do that?" Well, now I know. Combine heavy rain and darkness causing low visibility and a low lying intersection, and you have a recipe for disaster.
My friends and I floated (Like, we literally floated) for awhile in my car. Eventually some good Samaritans came along and pushed us to safety. I tried to get their names or offer them money or a fruit basket as a thank you, but they didn't want anything. They were helping a lot of people, like me, who drove into this impromptu lake.
What was supposed to be a relatively fun night out turned into a very long ordeal. My poor car wouldn't start and I had to try to figure out what to do with it on a holiday weekend. Then our ride was having trouble getting to us because a lot of intersections were flooded. When she did finally get close, we had to wade through some of the shallower water to get to her. What a mess.
I must thank my friends Ciara and Tracie for keeping me calm during the whole thing. If I was by myself I really would have freaked out. I would like to thank Arika for saving us from the side of the road. Most importantly, I would like to thank those strangers that were wading through the knee high water to help me and other unfortunate souls that drove into danger. I am forever grateful.
I will never again take Flash Flood warnings for granted. That ain't no joke.
*Also, my car engine needed replacing, which luckily my insurance paid for. However, they did not pay for the rental car I needed for two weeks. I guess that's what credit cards are for. Seriously, it was such a hassle and a headache. But, I was lucky that my interior was fine. Sadly, I no longer have this car. I was in a car accident and had to say goodbye. (That is a whole other blog post.) We had a lot of good times together. Even that one time when my car became a boat.
*I would also like to point out that at the time, there was a sign at 49th and Louise warning of Flash Flooding and I had commented that I thought that wasn't good enough. It should be a flashing neon sign. Well, I got half of my wish. The sign now has flashing lights on it! You're welcome!
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