Heat Wave Converts Road into Launch Pad for Unwary Drivers | Carscoops

      Video captured the moment a road in Missouri buckled due to the heat, launching a Toyota into the air.

      As summer continues in North America, extreme heat is posing risks for drivers. This isn't just about the potential for a vehicle to overheat, but also for the roads themselves. This was exactly the case in Missouri, where cameras recorded the incident, including the Toyota's airborne moment.

      Cape Girardeau, a small town located approximately 120 miles south of St. Louis and situated along the Mississippi River, is currently experiencing high heat and humidity. On Sunday, cameras documented the road's buckling due to the heat, with the unfortunate timing of a Corolla driver approaching the damaged section.

      With hardly any time to react, the Toyota hit the buckled road and became airborne, appearing to gain a foot or two of height before returning to the ground. It seems the airbags did not deploy upon landing, though it's difficult to determine that for certain.

      Fortunately, other drivers managed to avoid a similar incident. Most were able to navigate the damaged area safely, if slowly. Additional footage in the video highlights how the road deformation brought some of the surrounding grass up with it, likely helping other drivers recognize the danger sooner.

      Despite the high temperature reaching only 91°F (32°C) in Cape Girardeau, it was evidently sufficient to cause the pavement to expand. Numerous cities across the United States are facing extremely high temperatures. Typically, road buckling is more common with concrete, but it can also occur with asphalt.

      According to WVTM, surface temperatures must reach around 120°F (49°C) for materials to swell beyond their limits. On a day with a temperature of 90°F, asphalt can become significantly hotter. Similar incidents have previously occurred in Minnesota. As summer progresses, it's wise to monitor not only your vehicle's temperature but also to be aware of potentially hazardous road conditions.