Waymo has suspended its driverless car services in Atlanta and Texas following a vehicle becoming stranded in floodwater during heavy rain. The move comes as severe thunderstorms threaten large parts of the southern and central United States over the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service warned of possible flash flooding along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana on Saturday, with rain and thunderstorms expected across much of the central and eastern US. Forecasters also noted the risk of large hail and gusty winds in Texas and other parts of the Southern and Central Plains.
On Wednesday, a Waymo vehicle became stuck during a downpour in Atlanta that flooded streets and part of a downtown highway. The vehicle was unoccupied and later recovered, the company said. At least one other Waymo vehicle was also affected by the storm.
Waymo currently operates only in Atlanta, Georgia, and in several cities in Texas. The company said it suspended services in Texas 'out of an abundance of caution for the forecasted severe weather.'
