No, the Texas heat did not melt this wind turbine.
A Facebook post supposedly showing heat-shriveled blades dangling from a turbine tower in Matagorda County has been circulating Texas feeds over the last few days, alarming some who took it as proof of the power grid melting before their eyes.
The photo's origins, however, appear to stem from wind damage sustained by a Texas turbine during a storm on June 14, according to the National Weather Service.
ASTROS IN 4: Mattress Mack places another huge bet on Astros
While it is hot enough outside to melt gummy vitamins inside your car, it's not nearly enough to melt the fiberglass-wrapped polyester blades. Polyester doesn't melt until it reaches upwards of 480 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Silver Bobbin.
Whether the author was trying to be hyperbolic about Texas' heat or not, the post was rated false by Politifact in their partnership with Facebook to combat false information.
What's the strangest thing you've (actually) seen in the Texas heat? Let me know on Twitter: @jayrjordan
elqueco14 on June 26th, 2021 at 17:57 UTC »
I saw this picture the other day and it was reported damage from a tornado. I'd be surprised if an giant energy conversion machine in a hot ass state was sensitive to heat
BenjaminWobbles on June 26th, 2021 at 16:11 UTC »
Hot bananas don't melt in the sun either
blippityblop on June 26th, 2021 at 15:54 UTC »
When I was moving back east I had to drive through Texas and I passed a lot of wind farms. I thought it was cool and in a sense beautiful. I should've stopped at some point and taken photos.
I don't understand the hate for them. Their footprint is extremely low despite their size. And it seemed the cows couldn't care less of their existence, as is tradition.