Clearwater Firefighters Rescue Woman from Raging Floodwaters

Heavy rains that have pummeled the Clearwater area over the last few days have turned ordinary drainage ditches into fast-moving rivers.

That’s according to officials from Clearwater Fire & Rescue who spent Wednesday morning rescuing a woman whose car was swept away by high waters.

The incident happens late this morning at Japanese Garden Mobile Home Park, 19709 U.S. 19, Rob Shaw, city spokesman, said in an email to media.

“The woman was backing her car up when the vehicle was swept away by high water,” Shaw said. “The heavy rains this morning turned what normally is a dry drainage ditch that leads to the waters of Tampa Bay into a raging river.”

Firefighters had to use a ladder placed into the rear door of the car to free the driver. She was placed on a backboard and hoisted from the trapped car. A passenger inside the vehicle was able to free herself, Shaw said.

Both women, who have not been identified, declined medical treatment.

Photo Credit: Rescuers remove a woman trapped in a car in Clearwater Wednesday morning. Photo courtesy of the City of Clearwater.

Are you taking extra care on Bay area roads as the wet weather continues? Tell us by commenting below!