In what has become a cautionary mantra, the Memphis Police Department has once again reminded the public to respect the might of nature, particularly the peril that comes with flooded streets. Through a recent social media post, they've emphasized the risks associated with even seemingly shallow water. "Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. NEVER drive or walk through flooded roads," the Memphis Police Department warned. The message is clear and urgent: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
đ¨ Flash Flood Warning!
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) June 19, 2025
Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. NEVER drive or walk through flooded roads.
â ď¸ Turn Around, Don’t Drown. pic.twitter.com/zWPxyIjdH2
Floodwaters pose a deceptively lethal threat, often underestimated by many. Motorists, in a bid to save time or driven by a false sense of security, sometimes attempt to navigate these treacherous waters. However, as the police have stated, it doesn't take much for the situation to become life-threatening. The power of moving water is often invisible to the naked eye, but its strength can be relentlessly overwhelming. Indeed, a mere six inches of it can be enough to destabilize and sweep an adult off their feet.
This message from the Memphis Police is part of a wider public safety campaign aimed at reducing flood-related incidents, which can escalate quickly, putting the lives of individuals and first responders at risk. The National Weather Service echoes the sentiment, having long used the slogan "Turn Around, Don’t Drown" to discourage people from driving through flooded roadways. According to their studies, more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.
