Port Washington Fire Department’ former Chief Brian Waterson on Tuesday helped rescue a family whose car was stuck in flood waters at the intersection of Port Washington Boulevard and Country Club Drive.
Torrential downpours on Tuesday caused flooding in many areas of Port Washington.
While responding to one of the calls the Port Washington Fire Department received that evening, Waterson encountered several cars submerged in water.
“One of the cars that really got my attention was a woman with her arms out of the window flagging me down as I was driving along with my lights and sirens on,” said Waterson. “She was saying, ‘Please help! I have babies in the car!’ So I pulled over and went through the water to assist her.”
Waterson moved through deep waters that reached his thigh to get to the stranded car. He assisted the woman and the two children in getting out of the vehicle.
“The water wasn’t entering the car yet, but it was so high around the car that they couldn’t get out,” said Waterson.
Waterson helped the woman and children out of the flooded intersection to safety on the side of the road.
The Port Washington Fire Department dealt with multiple flooding incidents on Tuesday evening. Waterson shared that one of the worst flooding areas was near St. Francis Hospital.
“There were about 10 cars in the water near St. Francis,” said Waterson.
Once the rain slowed down, the flooded areas receded rapidly. Unfortunately, cars submerged in water usually stall, and most must be towed out of the area.