Gas Contamination Could Hinder Storm Evacuation in Florida

Tropical Storm Idalia is currently on track to make landfall in Florida on Aug. 30 as a major hurricane.

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia's projected landfall as a hurricane, Alachua County residents fill sandbags at a makeshift public works station in Alachua, Fla., on Aug. 28, 2023. Courtesy of Ray Holt

Tropical Storm Idalia is currently on track to make landfall in Florida on Aug. 30 as a major hurricane and, due to a gas contamination incident, those in its path may be unable to flee.

State officials warned on Aug. 27 of “potentially widespread fuel contamination” affecting up to 29 gas stations serviced by the Port of Tampa. The cause, they said, was “human error.”