Hurricane Floods and Impact on Electrical Systems

1) Hurricane Floods and Impact on Electrical Systems

As an electrical lecturer, teacher, and electrician, I have spent many years dealing with the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems. Through both theory and hands-on experience, I have seen first hand the importance of properly functioning electrical infrastructure, particularly in the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes.

The interplay between electricity and water is dangerous, and hurricane-induced flooding only exacerbates the risks. During this article, we will focus on the impact of hurricane floods on electrical systems in domestic and commercial buildings, while also touching on electric vehicles (EVs) and street electrical infrastructure.

Hurricanes bring with them a host of dangers: high winds, storm surge, and torrential rains that can result in extensive flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. While the immediate threat to life from these events is clear, the often-overlooked danger comes from the interaction between flood waters and electrical systems. In hurricane-affected areas, such as South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Florida’s Big Bend region, the potential for water damage to electrical components is high, leading to significant hazards. This is why it is so important to have electrical systems professionally inspected and repaired following a hurricane or flood event.

Due to the strong winds associated with hurricanes, even in areas without flooding, water can be forced into places in electrical systems where it would normally not enter causing issues that would not reoccur under normal circumstances.

2) The Danger of Flooded Electrical Systems

Hurricane flooding poses a severe threat to domestic and commercial electrical systems. The flood waters—often containing salt water in coastal regions—can cause short circuits, corrosion, and long-term degradation of electrical components. Saltwater, in particular, is highly conductive and can cause total loss of systems by penetrating electrical infrastructure. Critical infrastructure, such as power distribution centers and substations, can also be severely affected by floodwaters, leading to widespread power outages.

Following hurricanes like Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton, reports from regions like Pinellas County, Buncombe County, and Manatee County highlighted the dangers posed by compromised electrical systems. State officials, such as North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and local officials in Tampa Bay and Asheville, warned residents about the risks of re-energizing their homes and businesses too quickly after flooding.

Waterlogged electrical systems can cause short circuits, electrical fires, and, in some cases, result in electrocution. These systems must be thoroughly dried, inspected, and tested before being put back into service. The National Electrical Code advises that wet-rated products and electrical components that have been submerged or exposed to significant moisture be replaced, as the integrity of these systems can no longer be guaranteed.

Water can leave behind a conductive residue on cables and internal wiring that can mean wiring should be replaced rather than re-energised. The minerals and salts in water can effectively ruin modern electrical cabling making it unsafe to turn back on after prolonged flooding.

3) Why Electrical Systems Must Be Checked After Flooding

In the aftermath of a hurricane, the first priority is always safety. First responders and rescue operations are vital in ensuring people are safe from immediate harm caused by the storm, but the dangers do not end once the waters recede. Flood-damaged electrical infrastructure can create hidden dangers that are not always obvious to the average homeowner or business owner.

For example, I have encountered several instances where buildings appeared structurally sound after a flood, only to find that their electrical components were severely damaged. Even though the lights might still work, submerged or water-exposed wires can lead to serious problems later on. Water can seep into outlets, switches, and junction boxes, corroding connections and increasing the risk of short circuits.

In commercial buildings, the risks can be even higher. A damaged system in a hub of tourism, such as those seen in Florida or North Carolina, could have long-term consequences for the local economy. Business owners must ensure that their electrical systems are thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of employees and customers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Weather Service recommend that property owners contact certified electricians to assess damage after hurricanes or other severe weather events. It’s important to have electrical equipment such as panel boxes, wiring, outlets, and appliances checked for any sign of water damage.

Should an electrical system be re-energised without thorough checks being carried out by a qualified professional and later cause injury or fire then it is likely the commercial business owner or property owner may be held accountable. It’s not worth taking a risk with electricity and water, have a professional check it out for you.

4) The Impact on Electric Vehicles (EVs)

In recent years, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has presented new challenges when it comes to hurricane floods. EVs, powered by lithium-ion batteries, are susceptible to water damage, and in some cases, exposure to flood waters can trigger dangerous phenomena like thermal runaway. This occurs when the battery heats up uncontrollably, leading to fires or explosions.

As flood-damaged EVs become more common, agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and manufacturers have issued warnings about the dangers posed by submerged battery packs. In Florida, following Hurricane Ian, multiple incidents were reported in which flooded electric vehicles caught fire days after the storm had passed. Florida officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasized the importance of proper inspection and disposal of compromised EVs to prevent such accidents.

EV owners should be particularly vigilant after a hurricane or flooding event. If a vehicle has been submerged, it is critical to contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician to assess the damage. Some safety features built into modern EVs can help mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, but these features should not be relied upon if a vehicle has been exposed to significant water damage.

5) Street Electrical Systems and Public Safety

Street electrical systems, such as power lines and traffic lights, are also at high risk during hurricane floods. Sustained winds from hurricanes, combined with the effects of rising waters, often cause extensive damage to electrical infrastructure. Downed power lines can be deadly, especially in flooded areas where the water may carry an electrical charge far from the source. In Asheville, Buncombe County, and the Tampa Bay area, widespread power outages were reported following recent storms, leaving thousands of people without power.

One of the key issues with street electrical systems during a hurricane is that flood waters can submerge electrical components, causing short circuits and potential hazards for residents and first responders. For instance, in the hard-hit city of Asheville, there were multiple incidents where downed power lines made it dangerous for rescue crews to enter flooded areas. This is why it’s vital for the National Guard, state officials, and local authorities to work closely with utility companies like Duke Energy to ensure the rapid shutdown and repair of damaged systems.

Social media platforms have become a crucial tool for local officials to communicate dangers to the public. After Hurricane Milton, residents were warned via platforms like Facebook to avoid areas where live power lines had fallen into gallons of water. Timely and accurate information can be life-saving in these situations.

6) Ensuring Future Preparedness

As hurricanes become more frequent and intense due to extreme weather patterns, there is a growing need to better prepare our electrical systems for these natural disasters. In regions like South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee, where flooding from hurricanes such as the remnants of Helene or Hurricane Milton can wreak havoc, upgrading electrical infrastructure is critical.

One proposed solution is to relocate key electrical systems to higher ground to prevent flooding damage. The Tennessee Valley Authority has initiated projects in flood-prone areas along the Nolichucky River to raise the elevation of substations. This kind of preventative measure, combined with better building codes and the use of wet-rated products, can help mitigate future risks.

Another key focus must be improving public awareness of the risks associated with water and electricity. During and after hurricanes, many people are unaware of the dangers posed by submerged electrical systems. News conferences from officials, clear guidance from first responders, and comprehensive communication via social media are essential for ensuring public safety.

7) Conclusion

In the aftermath of hurricanes and the accompanying floods, the danger posed by compromised electrical systems is immense. Homeowners, business owners, and EV owners must prioritize the inspection and repair of any electrical systems that may have been exposed to flood waters. As an electrician and educator, I have seen too many instances where failure to properly assess and address water-damaged electrical components has led to fires, power failures, and personal injury.

Ensuring that our electrical infrastructure is prepared for hurricane season is vital. From electric vehicles to street electrical systems, the risks are many, but with proper preparedness, we can mitigate these dangers and keep both people and property safe. Whether in Florida, North Carolina, or other vulnerable regions, it is essential to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in the face of these natural disasters.