Mainers Could Still be Affected by Hurricane Ian in 2 Ways

The cost of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian's damage in Florida is in the billions of dollars.

Yeah, that's Florida. But it will have an impact in Maine as well.

Remember the price increases on most everything due to supply chain issues during the height of the pandemic? Here we go again.

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If home remodeling and home repairs are on your fall To Do List, material costs are likely to go up because of the hurricane. Plus, material is expected to be in short supply with so much product needed for repairs and replacement in Florida.

Basic lesson of supply and demand, when there is less inventory, prices rise.

So you don't have to live in Florida to be impacted by the hurricane.

But wait there is something else to watch out for too

The storm surge caused by the hurricane was as high as 15 feet in some areas of Florida. That is second Storey height.

And you have no doubt seen the videos of cars floating along roadways.

Rainwater is one thing, but storm surge is salt water from the ocean or the gulf.

And saltwater and cars are not a good mix

CARFAX  estimates over 350,000 vehicles were damaged.

When insurance companies 'write-off' a vehicle, they are supposed to be sold for parts or scrap metal.

But the expectation is that thousands of damaged cars and trucks will make their way into the used car market all over the country, including in Maine.

Emilie Voss CARFAX spokesperson said

We are already seeing these flooded cars show up all around the country, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk. Cosmetically these cars might look great, but if you don't know what to look for, it's nearly impossible to tell they are literally rotting from the inside out.

If someone wants to sell you a used car adt a deal that sounds too good to be true and does not have the car's history, best to think long and hard about your decision. Buyer beware.