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Storm Flooding Traps Drivers, Washes Away Cars

DENVER (CBS4) - Drivers on East 14th Street in Denver said the roads were more like a river during Wednesday's storm.

It took several hours before the street became passable again, and while several flooded vehicles were towed away, there were quite a few left lining the street Wednesday night.

Dramatic video shows fire crews wading through waist deep water to rescue drivers who ended up stranded in -- or in some cases, on top of -- their cars.

"I think they did an awesome job, as soon as I heard the tornado sirens, they were out and helping people," said one onlooker.

flooded car, rescue
(credit: CBS)

Witnesses say at the height of the storm, debris was swirling above them. Dozens of vehicles were swept up by the massive amount of water that filled East 14th Street near Kearney Street.

"People forget that all it takes is a small amount of water between their tires and the pavement for their car to literally float," said the onlooker.

Just a few miles away on Severn Place east of Holly Street, water took hold of several more vehicles and pushed them up onto nearby sidewalks.

flooded cars, park hill neighborhood
Flash flooding hits Denver's Park Hill neighborhood during a strong afternoon storm in June 2015. (credit: CBS)

"This car behind us, it was driving on this road and then it got to about right where it's at now and then it just started floating sideways," said Jordan Daniel.

Cellphone video shows Daniel and his friend, both who've spent time in the Navy, rushing to help a woman and small child trapped inside an SUV.

"No hesitation at all, we just ran out, that was the thing to do for sure," he said.

Water reached impressive heights in Denver, but as soon as the rain ended neighbors were cleaning up.

Many people say they've seen flooding in the area before, but never anything like what happened Wednesday.

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