Drivers of electric vehicles are being warned of potential fire hazards as reports surface of cars blowing up due to flooding during Hurricane Helene.

"Water and ion batteries do not mix. They literally explode," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned on Friday, adding that even small electric scooters were blowing up because of Hurricane Helene's floodwaters.

As Hurricane Helene approaches landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, some parts of Tampa are already experiencing excessive rain and winds.

Davis Islands remained closed Friday after Hurricane Helene inundated the area. Officials say 47 people and eight dogs had to be rescued during the storm. "One individual who called said the water was up to her chest.

Thursday night, crews prevented drivers from going across the bridges to and from Davis Islands because of flooding from Hurricane Helene

People can be seen with boats and playing in flood waters with children and pets ahead of Hurricane Helene's arrival in Tampa, Florida on Thursday.