Navigating the Aftermath: Tampa Bay Drivers Grapple with Hurricane Helene's Devastating Impact

As Hurricane Helene's surge waters rose, the night was pierced by the frantic flashing of a truck's alarm. For Luke Bonner and his family, the harrowing experience of escaping their flooded home by skiff was only the beginning of a long and arduous recovery process. Across Tampa Bay, countless drivers found themselves stranded, their vehicles battered by the storm's relentless onslaught of water and debris.

Restoring Mobility in the Face of Adversity

Submerged Vehicles and Canceled Appointments

When Luke Bonner and his family fled their home, they paddled past his Ford 150, now submerged in "belly-deep" water. Bonner, who runs a fishing charter business, knew the saltwater had damaged everything, leaving him unable to launch his boat or commute to the marina. By the next morning, the water had receded, but the truck's interior was still filled with murky saltwater, and Bonner had to cancel his fishing appointments for the next two weeks, with an even longer period of downtime expected.

Overwhelmed Auto Shops and Tow Services

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left auto shops, tow services, and insurance companies inundated with requests for assistance. Michael Potpinka, the owner of Mike's Expert Auto Repair in Pinellas Park, described the situation as "swamped," with his team doing their best to salvage as many vehicles as possible. Potpinka, a recent transplant to Florida, had experience with flooded cars in New Jersey, but nothing on the scale of the destruction caused by Helene.

Assessing the Damage and Determining Repair Timelines

Depending on the vehicle and the water level it sustained, the repair process can be complex and time-consuming. Computers and electrical systems may need to be replaced, and the car must be thoroughly dried, cleaned of debris and corrosion, before any repairs can begin. Potpinka emphasized the unpredictability of the process, stating, "That's the hardest part, you can't really predict how long it will take."

Cautionary Advice for Drivers

Experts caution drivers against even attempting to start their cars if they have been submerged in water. The engine may not run, and the vehicle may require extensive repairs, including draining the oil, replacing spark plugs, and potentially rebuilding the engine. Ronald Montoya, a senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds, advises drivers to have their vehicles inspected by a mechanic before attempting to use them, even if they need to rely on the car while waiting for insurance claims to be processed.

Navigating the Insurance Landscape

For those whose vehicles have sustained significant damage, the insurance claims process can be a daunting challenge. Mason Miller, a resident whose sedan was flooded, had to wait several days before hearing back from his insurance company, as they were inundated with claims. Bonner, whose truck and his wife's car were both damaged, is still waiting for a tow and the insurance appraisal process to begin.

Preparing for the Future

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many Tampa Bay residents reevaluating their transportation choices. Miller, whose sedan was flooded, acknowledged that he may need to "think twice about what I should drive" in the future. Bonner, whose fishing charter business relies on his truck, is uncertain about the financial impact of the storm, but is grateful for the support of friends and the community through a GoFundMe campaign.As the region works to recover from the devastation, the experiences of drivers like Luke Bonner and Mason Miller serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. The road ahead may be long and arduous, but the determination and resourcefulness of the Tampa Bay community will be crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.