FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen Heroically Rescues Woman from Atlanta Floodwaters

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
27/09/2024 14h59

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ATLANTA – In the midst of Tropical Storm Helene, FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen carried out a daring rescue operation in Atlanta early Friday morning. With torrential rain leading to catastrophic flooding, the city faced its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency, marking the wettest three-day stretch in over a century.

As conditions deteriorated during the pre-dawn hours, Van Dillen was reporting from a precarious scene when he heard a distress call near Peach Tree Creek. A woman, battling rising waters, had become trapped in her vehicle before daylight broke.

"I set my microphone down and immediately alerted emergency services, but response times were delayed due to overwhelming call volumes," Van Dillen recounted. "With the water levels increasing and her panic rising, I knew we couldn't wait."

Displaying remarkable courage, the meteorologist, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, plunged into the chest-deep floodwaters. Battling powerful currents, he reached the stranded woman and guided her to safety, ultimately carrying her to a dry zone.

"The water temperature might have been around 80 degrees, but the experience was chilling," Van Dillen explained. "She was alone in her car, strapped in, enduring the cold waters."

Even with the immediate dangers, Van Dillen remained composed, focusing solely on the rescue. Upon reaching safety, he reconnected with his FOX Weather team live, providing firsthand accounts of the event.

"Her husband arrived shortly after, and she is now safe," Van Dillen reported. "However, the bigger story here is the unprecedented flooding. We've seen extraordinary water levels."

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Van Dillen mentioned that Peachtree Creek was experiencing its third-highest water level on record. High-water rescues had been conducted earlier in the day, saving dozens from an inundated apartment complex located about a mile upstream. The surging waters continued to flow downstream, posing additional risks.

Van Dillen's heroic act underscored the perilous conditions many residents faced, as Atlanta contended with the relentless impact of Tropical Storm Helene.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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