Waymo Suspends Robotaxi Service in Atlanta and Four Texas Cities Due to Flooding

Waymo has suspended its robotaxi service in Atlanta and four Texas cities after multiple vehicles encountered flooded roads this week. The company first halted service in Atlanta after an unoccupied vehicle became stuck in floodwaters on Wednesday. Service was later paused in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

Waymo said the pauses were implemented out of an abundance of caution for forecasted severe weather. A company statement noted that safety remains its top priority for riders and other road users. The vehicle was recovered after approximately one hour.

Earlier this month, Waymo recalled nearly 3,800 vehicles to install software updates addressing flood protocols. The recall followed an April 20 incident in San Antonio where an unoccupied robotaxi entered a flooded roadway. The company acknowledged that the updates placed restrictions in higher-risk locations but had not yet delivered a final remedy for flood avoidance.

“Safety is Waymo’s top priority, both for our riders and everyone we share the road with. A regulator spokesperson said appropriate action would be taken if necessary. Waymo has previously faced separate NHTSA and National Transportation Safety Board investigations into other robotaxi behaviors, including incidents involving school buses and a January collision in Santa Monica.”