Fuel Contamination Crisis Looms as Tropical Storm Threatens Florida's Gulf Coast: Evacuation Orders Looming
Tropical Storm Idalia threatens Floridians with fuel contamination as diesel and gasoline are accidentally mixed at gas stations, potentially hindering evacuations and damaging engines. State officials investigate the cause.
Floridians along the state's Gulf Coast are facing potential fuel contamination as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches and evacuation orders may be issued, state officials warned. The contamination occurred through the accidental mixing of diesel and gasoline at gas stations at the Port of Tampa supplied by CITGO. Fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday at these stations is likely to be contaminated, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
🚨Florida- Widespread Gasoline Contamination with Diesel
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The stations affected by the contamination have been asked to stop selling gasoline until the fuel is replaced and the tanks are cleaned.
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I’m getting Maui vibes… right before a major tropical storm?… pic.twitter.com/OLTpJZiuod
The contamination can cause engine damage and affect a car's ability to operate, potentially creating dangerous situations for those trying to evacuate. The Florida Division of Emergency Management advised residents to keep their gas tanks at least halfway full in case of emergency evacuation orders. The state has launched an investigation into the cause of the contamination.