North Fort Myers, FL, November 7, 2024 - LCEC is advising residents in coastal areas to be aware of potential electrical hazards caused by salt contamination and storm surge damage from Hurricane Milton. These issues can pose significant risks to powerlines and electrical equipment, complicating the restoration process and potentially leading to dangerous conditions.
Impact of Salt Contaminants on Powerlines: Storm surge from hurricanes carries seawater inland, depositing salt on powerlines, transformers, and electrical equipment. This salt residue can create a film that compromises the electrical system, leading to:
- Corrosion: Salt accelerates the corrosion of metal components in power infrastructure, weakening equipment and increasing the likelihood of failure.
- Electrical Arcing: Salt, combined with moisture from the storm, can cause short circuits or arcing, which can result in power outages or fires.
- Reduced Insulation Effectiveness: The accumulation of salt on insulators can reduce their effectiveness, allowing electricity to “leak,” which can cause voltage instability or further outages.
Impact of Storm Surge on Coastal Areas: Storm surge, a powerful force of seawater pushed inland by hurricane winds, not only causes flooding but also leaves behind contaminants like salt, debris, and hazardous materials. In addition to damaging homes and infrastructure, storm surge can:
- Damage Powerlines and Poles: Floodwaters from storm surge can uproot or damage power poles, tear down lines, and submerge electrical equipment, making it difficult to assess damage or restore power.
- Cause Extended Outages: The floodwaters from storm surge often delay the restoration process, as crews must wait for water to recede before safely accessing damaged areas.
- Create Long-Term Electrical Issues: Even after visible damage is repaired, the residual effects of salt and moisture can continue to degrade electrical components, leading to future outages if not properly addressed.
Crews are actively inspecting and cleaning powerlines and equipment affected by the storm surge. Salt contamination is a serious issue that can undermine the integrity of a power system, especially in coastal areas where salt from the storm surge can accumulate, even after a hurricane has passed, the lingering effects of salt deposits can pose ongoing electrical hazards. LCEC urges customers to stay clear from downed and watch for electrical issues.
LCEC appreciates the continued patience as we work through the unique challenges of storm recovery in coastal areas. Crews are working tirelessly until every customer is fully restored.
For more information on the steps taken by LCEC before, during, and after a major storm and other tips for staying safe during storm season, visit the Storm Center on lcec.net.