Tesla Goes Up in Flames on Video Due to Hurricane Flooding

Hurricane Helene has ravaged parts of the southeastern United States with catastrophic flooding since making landfall last week. And after the floodwaters breached a homeowner's garage in Florida, a Tesla caught on fire and was seen on video going up in flames.

Authorities in Pinellas County released the footage on Facebook over the weekend as a public service announcement to remind displaced residents that electric vehicles can catch fire when they become flooded in saltwater. In the video, smoke can be seen emanating from the underneath of the Tesla, which was sitting in a couple feet of water in the cluttered garage.

Suddenly, there is a flash and flames begin emerging from the underside of the vehicle, eventually engulfing it as the garage filled up with smoke. It's unclear what became of the home, or what the extent of the damage was.

In the post, fire administration officials outlined some do's and don'ts for residents who own electric vehicles as they return to their homes. Owners are advised not to charge, drive, or store EVs or E-bikes in a home or garage. Instead, the bike or vehicles should be moved 50 feet away from any other combustible materials. They also advised owners to have the vehicle towed to a dealership for inspection.

Over 100 people across six states have died in the storm as of Monday morning, and millions have been left without power. As cleanup efforts get underway, EV fires are just one of many safety hazards residents will face in the coming days and weeks.