Driver Trapped by Hurricane Ian Floods Rescued By Axe-Wielding Firefighter

A video posted by Florida's Naples Fire-Rescue Department shows one firefighter wading through waist-high waters during Hurricane Ian to rescue a woman trapped in her car.

The department published the video on its Facebook page on Wednesday where it was viewed more than 150,000 times.

Using a small axe, the firefighter broke through the backdoor window on the driver's side as water swirled around the car, reaching halfway up the door.

The storm has officially weakened to a tropical storm after it hit Florida as a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday, leaving more than two million people without power.

The National Hurricane Center reported that there is ongoing "major-to-record" flooding across central Florida, while "considerable" flooding is taking place in northern Florida.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those who may be affected by a hurricane are advised to listen to authorities on whether they should evacuate.

If they must evacuate, they should follow the roads emergency workers recommend, regardless of whether there is traffic.

"Other routes might be blocked or flooded," the agency said. "Never drive through flooded areas—cars and other vehicles can be swept away or may stall in just 6 inches of moving water."

In the clip, the firefighter is seen speaking to the driver briefly before using his axe to break through the back window.

He opened the back door and directed the driver to open her own door. Another firefighter joined the two from a rescue vehicle, handing the woman a life vest. The two rescuers then helped the woman back to the vehicle before the video ended.

"Water rescue in the City earlier today," the video caption read. "Please let this be a lesson to stay off the roads when flooding is possible."

Many viewers applauded the rescue efforts of the firefighters, though some criticized anyone out driving during the storm.

"Way too many people out on their boat and vehicles in this mess," a Facebook user wrote. "So if you're going to risk the lives and waste the times of our first responders for what exactly?!"

"Thank you to all our first responders," commented another viewer.

The department shared another video, showing that the water had started to recede by the end of the day.

However, because of the dangerous conditions, the city's curfew remained in effect.

"Our streets need to be cleared of cars, power lines and other dangerous debris, so we can get our community repaired and safe again," the department said.

Newsweek reached out to Naples Fire-Rescue Department for comment.

Another video showed a time-lapse of the flooding that took place in Fort Myers, while clips circulating social media show houses floating along currents.