Following a bout of flooding in Sacramento County, several roads were temporarily closed, and a driver had to be rescued from a submerged stretch of roadway on Sunday. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded just after 11 a.m. to close down parts of Sorento Road, Kiefer Boulevard, and Scott Road as the water levels rose, reported CBS Sacramento. The specific closures included Sorento Road between Elverta and Rio Linda roads, Kiefer Boulevard from Jackson Road, Highway 16, to the Kiefer Landfill, and Scott Road between Boys Ranch and Latrobe roads.
The rescue operation occurred near the intersection of Kiefer Boulevard and Jackson Road, where the driver's vehicle was trapped by the rising water. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District's water rescue team had to quickly deploy rescue boats to safely transport the individual to dry land. "Metro Fire would like to remind the community to never drive through flooded roadways or bypass barricades and warning signage indicating flooded conditions," stated officials in a post-rescue notice, as FOX40 reported. The rescued driver was not injured and was released after the incident.
Despite the successful rescue, the driver's vehicle was left behind, slated to remain on Kiefer Boulevard until the flooding subsides enough for a tow truck to safely remove it. The Sacramento County Department of Transportation has yet to give an estimated time for the reopening of the roads and is advising residents to call 311 if they encounter flooded roadways.
As stormy weather affects the region, Metro Fire urges drivers to slow down, increase following distances, and stay alert to changing road conditions. Recent incidents highlight the dangers of wet roads and the importance of following traffic advisories and closures.
