Sewage, Snakes, Power Lines: Deadly Hazards Lurk In Hurricane Idalia Floodwaters

FLORIDA — Hazardous contaminants, dangerous critters and more threats lurk in the waters covering parts of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. The storm, which made landfall in the Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm, brought flooded much of the west coast Wednesday from Southwest Florida to the Panhandle.

But even in areas where the hurricane has passed, residents can expect storm surges during high tide Wednesday, which will bring additional flooding. Storm surge could rise as high as 16 feet in some of the hardest-hit places, forecasters said.

With all that standing water, it might seem like a fun idea to frolic in it and explore Idalia’s aftermath, but Florida officials warn against it.

There are several health risks that come with interacting with floodwaters: flesh-eating bacteria, dangerous wildlife, downed power lines and the possibility of being swept away.

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The Bradenton Police Department shared a video of a lieutenant and his pup playing in floodwaters after Idalia, but warned against following their lead. (Watch the video here.)

“While the duo is clearly having fun, please don't walk (or play a game of tug) in flood water. It isn't safe for you or your best friend,” the agency wrote.

There are also concerns about what else the brackish floodwaters might be hiding — raw sewage, bacteria, viruses and other germs causing disease, according to the Pinellas County government website.

Rare flesh-eating bacteria thrives in the brackish water and the state saw an abnormal uptick in Vibrio vulnificus last fall after Hurricane Ian pummeled Southwest Florida.

So far this year, the state has seen 31 vibrio cases and six deaths. Last year, the Sunshine State saw 74 cases of flesh-eating bacteria infections with 17 deaths — the highest number of cases since the Florida Department of Health began tracking them in 2008.

Some waters might hide downed power lines, the Sarasota Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.

It’s also easy to underestimate a flooded roadway, the agency added. “A car can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. Attempting to drive through deep water may stall your engine. If you come upon a flooded street, TURN AROUND!”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office also warned against walking or driving through flooded areas.

“Drowning and electrocution are safety concerns at this time,” the agency wrote in a Facebook post.

The waters also attract wildlife, which could be another safety issue. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office shared a photo of a snake slithering out of floodwaters left behind by Hurricane Idalia.

“If there is flooding in your area, please shelter in place and do not wade in the water. You never know what could have washed in with the flooding,” the agency wrote in a Facebook post.

Open wounds and rashes exposed to floodwater can become infected, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The bacteria in the water can cause skin infections when open wounds are exposed to them.

The agency suggests that those with open wounds avoid floodwaters and cover and cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage. Open wounds should be kept as clean as possible, the agency said.

Wash wounds with soap and water and if it develops redness, swelling or oozing, seek immediate medical attention.