TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As residents across the Tampa Bay area return to their homes for the first time since Hurricane Helene passed through the area, local officials are asking those who own electric vehicles to stay vigilant when assessing damage.
On Saturday, Pinellas County Government posted a video of a flooded Tesla that caught fire inside a homeowner’s garage.
“Electric Vehicles that have been flooded in saltwater can catch fire,” the county said in a Facebook post. “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.”
All barrier islands and beaches in Pinellas County are set to reopen at 4 p.m. to residents, business owners, and employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry permit, officials said.
Hurricane Helene
Helene blew ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday packing winds of 140 mph (225 kph) and then quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and sending creeks and rivers over their banks, churning up tornadoes and straining dams.
The hurricane’s massive rains and powerful winds left at least 52 people dead, caused widespread destruction across the U.S. Southeast and left millions without power.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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