Waymo Pulls Self-Driving Taxis Amid Flood Risk

Waymo has recalled thousands of its autonomous taxis following flood threats in Texas, temporarily withdrawing vehicles from service to prevent water-related damage and safety risks. The company is proactively relocating or deactivating affected cars while monitoring weather forecasts and coordinating with local authorities. The move underscores challenges autonomous fleets face from extreme weather and the operational complexities of managing large robotaxi deployments across diverse environments. Industry observers say such incidents highlight the need for robust contingency planning, vehicle resilience to environmental hazards, and clearer protocols for fleet safety during natural disasters.