Hurricane Milton has made its way to Florida, with residents bracing for its impact, especially those who own electric vehicles (EVs). The storm, projected to make landfall on the state’s west-central coast, has led officials to issue urgent warnings to prepare for potential devastation.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated on Wednesday afternoon the severity of Milton, which brought predictions of life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and flooding rains, concerning Floridians. It's estimated the hurricane could lead to insured losses ranging from $10 billion to $20 billion, depending on its intensity and path.
Among the many regions preparing for Milton's onslaught, Hillsborough County took proactive measures to protect residents with electric vehicles. Authorities urged those living near flood zones to relocate their vehicles away from areas at risk of inundation and storm surge. Flooding poses unique threats to lithium-ion batteries commonly found in EVs, which can result not only from the water but also create fire hazards.
Many individuals might not be aware of the specific risks posed to EVs during severe weather events. According to Hillsborough County’s guidance, EVs left unattended during the storm should not be plugged in or parked in garages. With saltwater exposure danger, it’s advised to keep these vehicles at least 50 feet away from buildings or other cars to mitigate risks of fires.
Echoing these warnings, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has brought attention to the fire safety risks tied to lithium-ion batteries. Notably, he mentioned, “If your electric vehicle has been exposed to flood conditions and you suspect your battery is damaged, contact your dealer or emergency services,” noting the urgency of the situation.
Florida has seen previous hurricanes pose severe risks to EV owners; for example, the recent upgrade and repair work on infrastructure was spurred by prior storms. Milton, being the second hurricane to strike the state within less than two weeks, raises alarms about the capability to handle subsequent natural disasters. Just weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene also impacted Florida, linked to numerous EV lithium-ion battery fires.
Post-storm scenarios pose additional questions for EV owners. If flooded by saltwater, the vehicles should be removed immediately from residential areas to prevent fire incidents. Hillsborough County warns against operating or charging EVs if they have sustained flood damage. They also recommend avoiding driving through floodwaters entirely, as this can yield unpredictable consequences for EV electrics.
Reports from Captiva Island highlighted the urgency of these precautions as firefighters now grapple with the realities of recovering from Hurricane Milton. The Captiva Island Fire Control District reported significant storm damage, stating, “The fire station took on about 2 feet of water,” and emphasized safe disposal of submerged vehicles. After the storm, they encouraged residents to report any damages and seek inspections for their EVs.
Efforts for recovery on Captiva have also revealed the extent of damage to infrastructure. The Blind Pass Bridge, which links Captiva and Sanibel islands, has recently been restored to limited vehicular traffic, much to the relief of local residents. Nevertheless, challenges like restricted road access remain as the county Department of Transportation works to repair damages throughout the island.
Sanibel-Captiva Road has also seen substantial wear and tear and still faces significant monitoring by authorities. The road must be restricted to one lane until thorough repairs are completed, preventing access from both residents and emergency services.
Hillsborough officials remain committed to ensuring public safety during this precarious time, especially for electric vehicle owners. The local hazard mitigation team has emphasized the importance of reporting any potentially dangerous conditions relating to sunk or flooded vehicles due to the saltwater involvement, which increases fire loading risks.
“We want to thank our partners who assisted us during response efforts for Hurricane Milton, including Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, South Trail Fire and Rescue District, and others,” said the Captiva Island Fire Control District, expressing gratitude for the collective assistance.
Florida's authorities have set aside resources for impacted residents, offering small cleanup supply kits to help families manage the aftermath of storm damage. Drinking water is also being made available at local fire stations for resident use, and renewable power services on the island are being steadily restored.
The storm surge on Captiva has been described as comparable to what was seen during Hurricane Ian, heightening concerns for property and public safety. Fire officials are attempting to clear excessive sand on roads and assess structural integrity continuously.
With the chaos of Milton's aftermath continuing to develop, residents and officials alike share the hope for quick recovery efforts and necessary maintenance for the infrastructure to endure future storms.
Officials remain vigilant and proactive about the need for preparedness as they mitigate hazards, aiming to protect both life and property during challenging times.
