After a Storm: Potholes, Debris, and Common Roadside Emergencies

Storms can change familiar roads quickly. A route that was clear earlier may have standing water, loose branches, damaged pavement, construction debris, or a vehicle disabled on the shoulder. In West Palm Beach and across Palm Beach County, drivers may encounter these hazards on neighborhood streets as well as busier corridors such as Okeechobee Boulevard, Southern Boulevard, US-1, and approaches to I-95.

If your vehicle starts pulling, makes a new noise after a pothole strike, loses tire pressure, will not restart, or cannot be driven safely around storm debris, your first priority is getting out of traffic without creating a second emergency. This guide explains the safest next steps and when to request roadside assistance or 24-hour towing.

Common Post-Storm Roadside Problems

Pothole Impacts and Sudden Vehicle Changes

Water can conceal potholes, broken pavement edges, and uneven road surfaces. Even a single hard impact can cause a tire to lose air or leave the vehicle handling differently. After a pothole hit, safely pull over and look for an obviously low tire, a damaged wheel, fluid on the ground, or loose material under the vehicle. You may also notice vibration, a steering wheel that is no longer centered, scraping, or a vehicle that pulls to one side.

Do not continue at highway speed if the steering, braking, or tire condition feels different. A tire that appears partly inflated may still have damage that makes further driving risky. If you have a safe place to stop but cannot confidently change the tire or assess the condition, request flat tire service. If the vehicle has underbody damage, severe vibration, or questionable steering, a flatbed tow can help avoid putting additional miles on a vehicle that may not be roadworthy.

Branches, Palm Fronds, and Road Debris

Storm debris is not always large enough to block a road, but it can still damage a tire, catch underneath a vehicle, or force drivers to make abrupt lane changes. Slow down well before debris, leave extra following distance, and scan for vehicles ahead that may stop suddenly. Avoid driving over items you cannot identify, especially on wet pavement or in poor visibility.

If debris is lodged under your vehicle, do not crawl underneath it on the roadside. Material can shift, hot components may be present, and traffic creates an unnecessary risk. Pull to a safe location and call for help if the vehicle is making contact with the road, leaking fluid, or cannot move normally. If debris blocks the road and creates an immediate danger, report it through emergency services rather than trying to move large objects yourself.

Standing Water and Flooded Road Sections

Standing water can hide pavement damage, curbs, debris, and changes in road depth. It may also affect traction. If you cannot tell how deep the water is or whether the road surface remains intact, choose another route. Do not assume a vehicle ahead made it through safely or that the water is shallow enough for your vehicle.

If your vehicle stalls in water, do not repeatedly try to restart it. If water is rising around the vehicle or conditions feel unsafe, leave the vehicle only when doing so is safer than remaining inside, and move to higher ground away from traffic and electrical hazards. Once you are safe, arrange emergency towing. A vehicle exposed to significant water should not be treated as a routine roadside inconvenience.

Flat Tires, Slow Leaks, and Tire Damage

Storm runoff can move nails, screws, broken branches, and other sharp material into travel lanes. A tire may go flat immediately, or it may lose pressure slowly after you leave the affected area. Warning signs include a tire-pressure alert, thumping, a rhythmic noise, steering pull, or a vehicle sitting lower on one corner.

Do not drive on a visibly flat tire to reach a safer destination unless moving a very short distance is necessary to escape immediate danger. Driving farther can damage the wheel and make the situation more complicated. Stop in the safest available place, use hazard lights, and call flat tire help if you need assistance with the spare or cannot safely handle the change where you are.

Dead Batteries After Wet, Windy Conditions

A battery problem can show up when a driver is already dealing with bad weather, reduced visibility, or an unexpected stop. Interior lights, headlights, hazard lights, and repeated start attempts can add to the problem. If the engine will not crank or starts weakly after a storm, avoid draining the battery further with repeated attempts.

Move only if the vehicle is already running and can be moved safely. If it will not start, a jump start service can be a practical option when the issue appears limited to a discharged battery. If a jump does not get the vehicle running normally, or if there are signs of other damage, towing may be the safer next step.

A Practical Post-Storm Roadside Checklist

• Check your route before leaving: Use current traffic and weather information, then allow extra time for detours and slower conditions.
• Keep your phone charged: A charging cable or power bank can be especially useful if a delay keeps you away from home longer than expected.
• Carry basic visibility items: A flashlight, reflective vest, and simple rain gear can make a stop safer and less stressful.
• Know where your spare tire tools are: If your vehicle has a spare, confirm that the jack and lug tool are present before you need them.
• Watch for changing vehicle behavior: Pulling, vibration, scraping, warning lights, or new noises after a road impact deserve attention.
• Choose a safe stopping area: A parking lot, wide shoulder, or side street away from moving traffic is better than stopping immediately in a narrow lane.
• Share accurate location details: When requesting help, provide the road name, direction of travel, nearest cross street, landmark, or exit information if available.

When to Call for Roadside Help or a Tow

It is reasonable to call for help when the issue is straightforward but you cannot safely resolve it alone. This includes a flat tire in an unsafe location, a vehicle that needs a jump, a lockout situation, or a minor roadside problem that leaves you stranded. Roadside assistance is often the right fit when the vehicle should be able to continue once the immediate issue is addressed.

Request towing when you are unsure the vehicle can be driven safely. Examples include a flat tire with no usable spare, a damaged wheel, steering changes after a pothole, scraping or loose parts underneath, a vehicle that will not start after troubleshooting, or storm-related water exposure. 24-hour towing service is also appropriate when a breakdown happens at night or outside normal business hours.

For a vehicle with low clearance, possible underbody damage, or a condition where minimizing additional contact with the road is important, ask about flatbed towing. Describe what happened clearly: whether you hit a pothole, drove through water, encountered debris, have a flat tire, or see warning lights. That information helps determine the appropriate type of assistance.

What to Do While Waiting for Assistance

Stay in the vehicle with the doors locked when it is safe to do so, particularly near fast traffic or during poor weather. Keep hazard lights on. If you must exit, do so only from the side away from traffic and only if the surrounding area is safe. Avoid accepting hands-on repair help from passing drivers if the location is hazardous or the situation is unclear.

Gather useful details before help arrives: your exact location, vehicle make and color, the nature of the problem, and whether the vehicle is blocking traffic. If safe, take a few photos of visible tire damage, debris, or the roadway condition for your records. Do not place yourself in danger to document anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I keep driving after hitting a pothole?

Only if the vehicle feels normal and there are no signs of tire, wheel, steering, or underbody damage. If you feel vibration, pulling, scraping, or see a low tire, pull over safely and arrange assistance rather than continuing at speed.

Can I drive through standing water if other cars are doing it?

It is safer to avoid water when you cannot judge its depth or see the road surface. Water can conceal hazards and may be deeper than it appears. Take another route when possible.

What if a branch is stuck under my car?

Stop in a safe location and avoid reaching underneath the vehicle at the roadside. If the branch is dragging, causing noise, or the vehicle cannot move normally, call for roadside help or towing.

Can roadside assistance help with a storm-related flat tire?

Yes. Flat tire service can help when you have a usable spare and the location is safe enough for service. If there is no safe spare, the wheel is damaged, or the vehicle cannot be driven afterward, towing may be needed.

What information should I provide when requesting a tow after a storm?

Share your location, vehicle description, condition of the vehicle, and what occurred. Mention any water exposure, pothole impact, flat tire, blocked roadway, warning lights, or visible damage so the appropriate service can be arranged.

After a storm, there is no advantage in taking chances with a vehicle that feels unsafe. A cautious stop, clear location details, and the right kind of emergency roadside help can turn a stressful roadside problem into a manageable next step.