Florida EV owners afraid to charge their cars after severe flooding leaves neighborhood underwater

Charging an electric vehicle safely became a worry for families dealing with flooding in the Briar Bay community in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

The disruption also meant damaged cars and separation from relatives, with some residents unable to return home.

Here's what to know

According to WPBF, getting around the neighborhood remained a struggle, prompting residents to ask local officials and community management for help. Standing water lingered after an early-November deluge, even as levels receded in parts of the community.

Briar Bay resident Ariana Willgh spoke alongside her daughter, Alicia Willgh.

"Because we're afraid, well first we have to charge them daily pretty much if we're going out," she said of her EV. "And we're even scared to connect it because of the water lines. The water levels did get to the garage door, so they're pretty much submerged the whole week." 

"This has been difficult to get out of the community without a big truck or SUV," the Willghs said.

More background

Work took resident Tanoy Williams away from home, and the flooding prevented her from returning.

"When I got back, it was just crazy," she said. "The waters were everywhere. So fortunately, I have a friend that allowed me to stay there. But I have my niece who lives with me and my great nephew, we've all been scattered over the place, and it's been really frustrating to already have one car in the shop because of flooding."

Worsening extreme-weather disasters can threaten lives and livelihoods, make it difficult to navigate neighborhoods safely, and add to families' financial strain.

What can be done?

"We're buying sandbags from now on," Briar Bay resident Tanique Lee and Williams said. "We already said that. Plus, higher vehicles and I have to get some rain boots." 

Lee pointed to overflowing lakes and a lack of drainage.

"What the issue is that it's too much water, number one," Lee said. "Number two, the lakes overflowed because there was nowhere for the water to go." 

Buying supplies and changing vehicles to cope with flooding added expenses for residents who already pay taxes and monthly fees, Willgh emphasized. She sought help from city officials, community management, and the homeowners association.

"All I'm just saying is whatever it is, I just feel like it needs to be addressed," Williams said.

Where can I learn more?

Other Florida communities have faced the same problems as Briar Bay, from flood-damaged cars to families unable to return home. 

• In Astor, Florida, neighbors park cars in one yard as river flooding reaches homes.

• In DeLand, Florida, homes cut off for weeks prompted a Taylor Road flood fix.

• Florida's Osceola County approved $2.5 million to track floodwaters after Ian drove residents out.

• In Fort Lauderdale, king tides shut part of A1A, with saltwater damage threatening cars.

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