Authorities in Florida have warned that electric cars flooded with salt water from Hurricane Helene have the potential to explode.
The warning comes as saltwater has flooded many streets in Florida after Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding throughout the state.
In a social media post, Pinellas County officials warned, “Electric Vehicles that have been flooded in saltwater can catch fire.”
The warning continued, “If you evacuated and left an electric vehicle or golf cart in your garage or under a building and you are not able to get to it or move it, we want you to let us know.”
The county then posted a video of an electric car that appeared to be impacted by saltwater catching fire in a garage.
WATCH:
Electric Vehicles that have been flooded in saltwater can catch fire. If you evacuated and left an electric vehicle or golf cart in your garage or under a building and you are not able to get to it or move it, we want you to let us know. /1 pic.twitter.com/dpfiXRAGuR
— Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) September 28, 2024
Tom Barth with the National Transportation Safety Board stated, “If the saltwater is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of battery, then it can cause a short circuit.”
Fox 4 News further reported several electric cars exploded in Tampa and caused major fire damage to homes.
WATCH:
Fox 4 News reports Electric Cars Inundated With Saltwater Are EXPLODING in Hurricane Helene Hit-Towns pic.twitter.com/HElnTWbT5F
— Anthony Scott (@AnthonyScottTGP) October 1, 2024
Per Metro U.K.
Electric vehicles that have been flooded with salt water are being treated as a potential fire hazard in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Officials are urging those who evacuated and left electric vehicles or golf carts in garages or under buildings to report them if they cannot safely access or move the vehicles.
Salt water exposure can damage the battery components in electric vehicles, potentially leading to dangerous chemical reactions that could cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Residents who may have left electric vehicles behind when they evacuated from affected areas are being urged to contact the local emergency services.
