- April 23, 2024
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While Hurricane Irma begins to work its way out of Florida, work is underway to resupply gas stations all throughout the state, according to a release from the American Automobile Association.
Gas stations throughout Florida experience outages due to the huge spike in gasoline demand prior to the arrival of Irma. It could take a week for supply conditions to return to normal.
With residents no longer “panic pumping” due to the threat of the storm, gas stations not located along major highways may have an easier time keeping supplies.
Resupplying gas stations located along major evacuation routs will be a top priority as evacuees return to the state.
Long lines and temporary outages are to be expected.
“Florida evacuees should plan their return home very carefully,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a release. “First, ensure you know there are no major hazards at home or along your travel route. Expect congestion on the roadways, as the first few days after the storm will be the busiest. Pay close attention to traffic reports. Ensure you have a full tank of gas before you hit the road. Do not let your fuel gauge fall below a quarter tank before you start looking for a place to refuel. Bring a gas can in case you run out of fuel. It is not safe to drive with a full gas can inside an enclosed vehicle.”
Florida does not have any crude oil refineries, instead relying on deliveries by tanker and barge to the state’s marine terminals located in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Manatee and Port Everglades.
The majority of these ports have been closed since Saturday, Sept. 9, and cannot reopen without an inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Note: Even when the ports reopen, challenges remain due to power outages at gas stations, flooded areas and closed streets.
