Charlotte Fire Department Boat Rescue in Snowstorm Shows Man Stranded on Truck as Water Rises in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — Dramatic rescue footage circulating online shows a man standing on top of his truck in what appears to be flooded, icy water during a snowstorm, as firefighters approach by boat to bring him to safety. The post describing the video says the footage was released by the Charlotte, North Carolina Fire Department, and it quickly drew attention for the dangerous mix of cold, water, and limited visibility.

In the clip, snow can be seen falling as responders reach the stranded man. The situation appears urgent: the man is elevated above the waterline on the vehicle, suggesting the surrounding roadway may have become impassable or unexpectedly flooded.

What the footage appears to show

The video shows a rescuer extending an arm toward the man as he balances on the vehicle. The water looks deep enough that a standard vehicle would struggle to move, and the combination of snow and darkness suggests conditions were worsening, not improving.

The post calls the rescue “astonishing,” and the key detail is the method: a boat rescue in the middle of a snowstorm, which is not a scenario most drivers expect when winter weather hits.

Why winter flooding can turn deadly fast

Snowstorms aren’t only about snow. When heavy precipitation, rapid melting, blocked storm drains, or low-lying areas fill quickly, drivers can end up trapped. Cold water is especially dangerous because it can lead to rapid loss of body heat, even if someone isn’t fully submerged.

Being stuck on a vehicle in cold, moving water also increases the risk of slipping, falling, or being swept away. That’s why rescues like this often prioritize stabilizing the person first, then moving them to safety as quickly as possible.

The biggest safety lesson for drivers

The most important takeaway is simple: never drive into flooded roads, even if the water looks shallow. Water depth is hard to judge at night, and a vehicle can lose traction quickly. Once a car stalls, conditions can go from inconvenient to life-threatening—especially in winter.

If you’re caught in rising water, experts generally advise getting to the highest safe point and calling for help rather than trying to walk through cold, moving water.

Community reaction highlights respect for first responders

The post includes a strong message of appreciation for first responders, and it’s easy to see why. Rescues in freezing conditions require specialized equipment, teamwork, and fast decision-making. The footage underscores the reality that firefighters and rescue teams often respond in the worst possible conditions—so others can make it home.

What’s your reaction to this rescue—should cities issue stronger warnings about winter flooding during snow events? Share your thoughts and keep following NapervilleLocal.com for more public safety and weather updates.