In a recent interview focusing on Hurricane Helene’s impact, we delve into the significant destruction faced by the Big Bend region of Florida. The storm made landfall on the 26th, unleashing catastrophic storm surges, severe inland flooding, and powerful winds that have left their mark not just on Florida, but also on neighboring states like Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. By the 28th, the death toll had tragically climbed to at least 58, with millions of households still grappling with power outages.
A report from the Associated Press revealed fatalities across several states. Georgia suffered 17 losses, including a firefighter who died while responding to an emergency, and a heartbreaking incident where a mother and her one-month-old twin sons lost their lives when a tree fell on their home. Florida’s death toll rose to 11, while South Carolina also reported at least 17 deaths, which included two firefighters.
In North Carolina, residents are dealing with the aftermath, as more than 400 roads remain closed. Governor Roy Cooper has announced that emergency supplies are being airlifted to the hardest-hit areas. Officials in Buncombe County shared that Interstate 26, which connects Asheville to South Carolina, has reopened, although most other routes to the city are still impassable.
Rescue and cleanup efforts are ongoing, with rivers in Nashville, Paducah, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Detroit continuing to rise. Thankfully, no new flood watches have been issued, and the overall flooding threat is currently considered low. However, flood warnings are still in effect for several counties in western North Carolina, eastern Kentucky, and western Virginia.
In light of the usual disaster preparations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging electric vehicle owners to be particularly cautious, as flooding can pose potential fire hazards. They pointed out that Hurricane Ian in 2022 damaged batteries in up to 5,000 electric vehicles, leading to several fire incidents. Similarly, last year’s Hurricane Idalia caused electric vehicle fires, likely due to saltwater corrosion.
To minimize risks, officials are advising electric vehicle owners to keep their cars out of floodwaters when possible. Before Hurricane Helene struck, there were widespread concerns about vehicles being submerged, especially with forecasts predicting storm surges of up to 20 feet. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis encouraged electric vehicle owners to park their cars in higher locations. Tesla also recommends steering clear of waterlogged conditions, and if a vehicle does become submerged, it should be towed away from structures or flammable materials for inspection by a technician. Owners are also advised to charge their vehicles in anticipation of potential power outages due to the storm.
