What to Do If Your EV or E-Bike Caught the Recent Saltwater Swell
Seal Beach, CA · October 18, 2026
Sunday morning sun is warming the pier planks early, but keep an eye out for lingering saltwater dampness along low-lying driveways. With classic cruisers rolling into seaside lots this morning, there is plenty of reason to take a stroll outside.
The Lead
Following this month's unusual coastal flooding and tropical storm surge, local police are urging residents to inspect electric vehicles, golf carts, and e-bikes that came into contact with ocean water. Saltwater leaves behind conductive mineral deposits that can quietly corrode wiring and battery seals, creating dangerous electrical shorts days or even weeks after the water recedes.
The department cautions that lithium-ion battery fires burn exceptionally hot and cannot be extinguished with standard household methods. If a vehicle sat in floodwater or was sprayed along low-lying alleys, owners should not plug it into a wall charger or attempt to start it. Instead, police recommend having the vehicle flatbedded to an authorized technician for an electrical integrity inspection. Anyone observing hissing, smoke, or sudden heat from a battery pack should keep clear and dial 911 immediately.
Local Pulse
Warm Currents Bring Exotic Ocean Visitors Community Marine researchers note tropical fish and pelagic species are drifting into local nearshore waters as El Niño builds.
Chamber Secures Sponsor for Holiday Tree Business A local law firm steps up as title sponsor, ensuring Eisenhower Park's annual community tree lighting moves forward smoothly.
City Prepares Joint Training Base Review Housing Planners are evaluating how state residential mandates intersect with local airfield noise and safety zones this month.
Today's Outlook
- High 82°F · Low 65°F — Mainly clear
- Lawn seating and coastal walks call for sunscreen and light layers throughout the day.
What's On Around Town
Today
Hot Rods at the Beach Glory Days Seaside Grill (620 Pacific Coast Hwy), 8:00–11:00 AM · Free Classic hot rods, chrome cruisers, and morning coffee beside the highway.
Legendary Sunday Brunch Spaghettini (3005 Old Ranch Pkwy), 11:00 AM–1:00 PM · $44–$59 Live R&B grooves by DW3 alongside upscale California cuisine.
Lance Lopez Live Marni's (620 Pacific Coast Hwy), 4:00 PM · Paid Fiery Texas blues guitar headlining an energetic afternoon performance.
Adrian Crutchfield Showcase Spaghettini (3005 Old Ranch Pkwy), 6:30 PM · Paid Prince's former horn leader brings high-energy contemporary jazz to the lounge.
Tomorrow
- Get Moving Storytime Mary Wilson Branch Library (707 Electric Ave), 10:30–11:30 AM · Free
- Spooky Sip & Paint Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library (12700 Montecito Rd), 4:00–5:00 PM · Free
- Epic Pub Quiz ISM Brewing (210 E 3rd St), Long Beach, 7:00 PM · Free
Tuesday
- Seal Beach Village Farmers Market Seal Beach Village (13904 Seal Beach Blvd), 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Free
- Popcorn & Pictures Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave), Long Beach, 3:00 PM · Free
- Surf City Nights Downtown Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach, 5:00–9:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Lee Ostendorf
- Tucked just off Main Street, Ostendorf champions local makers through Main Street Mercantile and manages the Friday pier-side farmers market. Her shop curates goods exclusively from regional artisans, stocking shelves with handmade ceramics, local honey, and coastal crafts.
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