Two Costa Mesa roommates say they barely slept after spending the night rescuing a Vietnam War veteran whose car became trapped and then lifted off the ground during fast rising floodwater outside their home. They explained that this kind of dangerous flooding happens every time a significant storm hits their street and that it has become a serious hazard for drivers and neighbors.
The rescue unfolded at about three in the morning along Pomona Avenue near Seventeenth Street. Neighbors describe this area as a consistent flooding hotspot during storms, even when rainfall is only moderate. On this particular night the rain was pounding so intensely that residents could hear it echoing through their homes.
Nicole Fox said she woke up to the sound of heavy rain hitting her window so forcefully that it immediately alarmed her. She has lived on the street for five years and knew right away what that sound meant. Without hesitation she got out of bed and looked outside. Within seconds she realized the street was filling quickly with water. What she saw next made her sprint to wake up her roommate.
She saw an older man driving straight into the deepest part of the street where water collects rapidly. At the time she did not know he was a Vietnam War veteran. His car immediately began to drift and lift off the pavement. Fox said she watched the vehicle float in the growing pool of stormwater. The man opened his door, leaning out and yelling for help as the car swayed in the water.
Fox’s roommate Felicia Johnson did not hesitate. She grabbed the first hooded jacket she could find, stepped into her shoes, and ran straight toward the water. By that point the flood had risen to her chest. The man had water up to his waist and could not keep steady because of knee problems. Johnson said he looked terrified and repeatedly told her he was scared. She stayed close and reassured him that she had him and would not let go.
Fox tried to keep spirits high by joking that Johnson looked like a lifeguard charging into action. Johnson laughed and mentioned that she is certified through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. She said the water was not deep enough to require diving skills but staying calm and helping the man keep his balance was crucial. As the water pushed and pulled at the car Johnson helped him find solid footing and eventually had to lift him enough to get him toward higher ground.
Once they reached safety the roommates wrapped him in towels to warm him up. They then drove him home a few blocks away. Even that short drive was difficult as every turn revealed more intersections that had turned into deep pools of swirling water. Video recorded by the roommates shows water moving forcefully around parked cars and pushing the man’s vehicle sideways as if it weighed nothing.
Both roommates say this flooding problem has existed for years. Anytime there is a big storm cars are destroyed. Fire crews routinely arrive to check each flooded car for trapped passengers before they bring in large equipment to pump the water out of the street. Despite repeated incidents the issue continues and residents feel it has become a real danger.
Johnson said they worry that one day someone will be seriously injured or worse. They want the city to take action and address the chronic drainage problem. As they drove the veteran home they noticed police already blocking multiple roads that had turned into large pools of water.
A spokesperson for the City of Costa Mesa told Socal Newspaper that City Hall was closed on Friday but that he had reached out to the Public Works Department for information. The city is expected to respond with more details when available.
