Some roads in Western North Carolina remain underwater with the possibility of more rain on the way.
In Henderson County, several roads are closed to drivers because of flooding. That includes part of Banner Farm Road.
On Thursday evening, News 13 had a crew catching up with drivers, some of whom chose to drive through the flooding.
Two vehicles were surrounded by water and sitting empty, likely abandoned after the drivers got stuck. But the abandoned cars were not much of a deterrent for some.
“They’re risking getting their car stuck or even getting a flood in their car going somewhere else,” said Jordana Alexis, who lives nearby and had to find a detour because of the flooding.
This comes just a few days after the county issued a Level 3 flood response with more than a dozen roads still closed and barricaded.
Within just a few hours, News13 witnessed five or six cars successfully make it through. But law enforcement officials said that doesn’t mean you should take the risk.
If road closed signs and hefty fines aren’t enough of a deterrent, drivers could also face 45 days in jail. Anyone in the state caught driving on a closed road could be convicted of a Class I misdemeanor or face a reckless driving charge.
With the chance of more rain and flooding in the forecast, authorities are reminding drivers to turn around because it could save your life.
But police are hoping common sense kicks in quickly instead of a conviction.
“If it costs you to not do something wrong, then they most likely won’t take that chance,” Alexis said.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSDespite warnings, drivers risk fines, jail on flooded Henderson County roads | WLOS
