Had to make a "hurry to bedside" trip during a storm last week. It wasn't good weather to drive in as a thunderstorm line was being pushed through by a cold front. Squall lines like that are usually about 50 miles wide, but we were heading in the same direction. We just couldn't get out in front of the front.
So I am cruising along at about 60 mph. We were the only car on a long straight road through east Texas. I have traveled this road many times in all kinds of weather. I have never seen it flood this section of road. Ever.
Well, surprise! It was only about 3 inches deep for 50 yards or so. I had just enough time to lift off the gas and grip the wheel.
I was unaware that the MINI made such a fine ski boat. My only complaint is the cloth seats. I think my butt left teeth marks in the seat.
We made it through and I spent the rest of the trip listening real hard to the engine, watching for warning lights, and cussing the weather. Everything seemed to be OK.
The next day I noticed that the front wheel well trim was blown out behind the tires. I reseated the snaps and looked real hard for any other damage, but so far so good.
I never want to do that again.

PS: Looks like the father-in-law will pull through.

 

I went through water 3-4 inches deep recently too. I was paranoid about the drowning Mini death stuff too, but we made it. I really don't understand how a car with an intake at the windshield level can hydrolock so easily. I can see a foot of water destroying the car easily, but up to 6 inches should be ok.

Glad you're safe, hydroplaning at that speed is ... interesting, no?