Pippa Langhorne, from Worcester, was driving along the A443 with her parents and two children when they became trapped in the surging floodwaters on Monday night (January 6).
A passing car sent a wave of water into their car cutting the engine and then the water began to rapidly rise forcing them to call 999.
Miss Langhorne said: “We saw six cars going down the road and followed them.
“As we were driving down, a car coming the other way sent this massive wave of water onto our car and it just killed the engine.”
After realising they were stuck, the family called 999 for help.
“When we made the call, the water was around our ankles,” Miss Langhorne said.
“Forty minutes later it was up to the steering wheel.
“My kids had to sit on our chest to keep high and out of the water.
“It was 1C outside and pitch black.”
After around an hour stuck in the cold and wet, emergency services were able to reach the family and take them to safety.
She added: “It was terrifying. You always see things like this and question how on earth people end up in these situations and now I realise just how easy it is.
“If it wasn’t for the rescue team, it is unthinkable what would have happened to us.”
The fire service was called out to deal with a similar incident in Evesham, where a car with its lights left on was abandoned in a car park at 2am.
A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called out to a vehicle in water in Meadow Car Park, Abbey Road.
“A car with its lights on in around four feet of water was searched by the water first responders and swift water rescue teams but nothing was found.”
After a weekend of rain and snow across the country, water river levels are rising and putting those nearby at risk, including people living and working near Barbourne.
A spokesperson for Floodline said: “River levels are rising at the Worcester (Barbourne) river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall.
“We expect flooding to affect properties on Newport Street, Park View Terrace, The Butts and King Stephen’s Mount.”
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The river is expected to peak at around five metres tonight (Tuesday), the height at which flooding is possible in the area.
In Diglis, the River Severn has risen to 4.7 metres, above the 4.25 metre threshold where flooding becomes possible.
Eckington school was forced to close after it became apparent that it would be dangerous for pupils and staff to try and reach the school, with Eckington Bridge submerged beneath the Avon.
Powick Old Bridge was damaged during floods in January last year and has been closed to pedestrians and cyclists ever since.
Now, rising water levels have put even more strain on the already weakened structure.
Daniel Jones, a member of the Friends of Powick Old Bridge, shared his concerns for the bridge: “The current is right up against the damaged arch.
“How much more can this bridge physically take?”
Rural schools are always at risk from floods and this week was no different.