Tropical Storm Idalia: Cars may stop working mid-evacuation due to fuel contamination

Gas is pumped into a vehicle at a gas station in Miami, Florida in January. Officials are warning of a "potentially widespread" fuel contamination in the state, which could hamper evacuations from Tropical Storm Idalia. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A "potentially widespread" fuel contamination at gas stations along Florida's Gulf Coast could cause car engines and power generators to stop working just as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the area.

The contamination was caused by "human error" at the Port of Tampa, according to a news alert from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.