GREENVILLE, N.C. — Water levels along Contentnea Creek were high on Friday.

Chuck Smithwick says, “I’ve seen the water at least halfway up that door (about 15 feet above the creek).”

Smithwick says he has often seen the creek overflow its banks on nearby roads.

“I’ve seen people trying to drive through,” Smithwick said.

While many streets are currently just covered with puddles, there is a possibility that these puddle-strewn streets will turn into flooded streets in the next few days.

“I have experienced flash flooding in the state of Nevada and the saying ‘turn around, don’t drown’ is absolutely true. I would strongly recommend anyone who sees flooding to turn around and take a different route,” says Smithwick.

Not only can this be dangerous for you, but it can also cause damage to your vehicle, according to Colby Pugh of Pughs Tire and Service Centers.

Pugh says: “If you get into heavy, deep water, it can cost a lot of money and repairs.”

Damages whose severity and price may vary.

“If it gets into the engine, it can block it. If it doesn’t get into the engine, but into the breather box or the filter, there are numerous things that need to be replaced. Spark plugs, air filters, the engine would need to be flushed, the oil would need to be changed, and the repair costs are still in the thousands of dollars,” says Pugh.

Even if your vehicle survives the water, it may take weeks before you notice any other damage to your vehicle.

Pugh said, “If you just drive through long enough so that the mold toxin only gets into the car but not into the engine, it can actually take weeks before you notice mold and other problems.”

Pugh says the best thing to do is turn back.

“If you see flooding, of course avoid it and don’t drive through it,” Pugh said.