Four flash flood recues in Colorado Springs Monday night

Fire crews in Colorado Springs had to make four flash flood rescues Monday night.

Terrified drivers abandoned their cars, deserting them in feet of water.

Many people were forced to roll down their windows, get out and swim to safety in freezing water.

“Water started coming in pretty quick, I climbed out the window and damned near had to swim back to shore it was so deep,” said Jared Malhiot, who was trying to start his car after deserting it during the flood.

“It was raining so hard I couldn’t see. Visibility was so poor. I watched out for people because I didn’t want to see anyone struggling in the water. It was pretty terrifying and when we were driving we hit what seemed like a one-foot sized boulder in the road,” said Jim Specht, who drove through three feet of water Monday night.

Drivers should remember that the depth of flood water isn’t always obvious, and roads don’t always stay intact. Walking or swimming through flood water is dangerous. Fire crews say sink holes could be underneath the surface.

“Definitely pull over and wait it out, get in a safe spot. I couldn’t see in front of me and that’s what got me caught. You can’t rely on following the cars in front of you, that’s what gets you in trouble as I found out,” said Malhiot.