Driver hits big puddle, then hydroplanes into tree and dies, Texas cops say

A Texas man is dead after his vehicle hydroplaned off road and into a tree, according to police.

The fatal crash happened near Katy, a Houston suburb, at about 2 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office told KPRC.

Deputies say the driver of a Dodge Challenger was exiting the Katy Freeway when they drove into a puddle, lost control and swerved into a tree, KRIV reported.

The man died in the crash while a female passenger was taken to a hospital in stable condition, deputies told the station.

A thunderstorm had hit the Houston area, according to the National Weather Service, which reported heavy rain and foggy conditions.

When driving on wet roads, don’t try to overcorrect when steering, officials warned, KTRK reported.

“Watch your speed. Make sure you’re looking ahead of your vehicle. If you hit a body of water, don’t steer. Just keep driving straight through it. Keep on gas, and you’ll be OK,” Sgt. B. Bondurant told the outlet.

Katy is a roughly 30-mile drive west from downtown Houston.