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AAA urges drivers to avoid standing water as Debby leaves the region

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Debby is just about done with the Hampton Roads region, but we could still see standing water throughout the area. AAA Tidewater wants to remind drivers of the dangers of trying to drive through water.

Although it may seem harmless in the moment, driving through standing water can damage your vehicle.

Damage might not show up immediately, according to Holly Dalby with AAA, who says it could take up to a month before there is obvious damage.

Dalby encourages drivers to go around areas with standing water and to go towards areas where you can see pavement.

“There could be things floating that could be dangerous,” Dalby said. “You could hit a big pothole that perhaps the flood waters have washed up. It could be dangerous, even if you don’t see damage to your vehicle today, you could see it weeks or months down the road because that flooded water gets pulled up into the engine.”

For information on what to do when you have a flood damaged car, visit AAA’s website here.