Traffic on expressways in northeast Georgia may not be seeing extended travel times following Hurricane Helene's effects, but elsewhere in the state, even into the Atlanta area, that could change as Hurricane Milton hits Florida this week.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively monitoring traffic volumes and conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes in preparation for Hurricane Milton as the storm approaches Florida’s west coast. Milton is expected to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane in west central Florida in the early morning hours Thursday, October 10. Georgia’s coast is under a tropical storm watch due to expected impacts from Milton in the state, with the threat of significant rain and high winds a possibility.
As Florida residents heed evacuation orders issued in many parts of the state, Georgia’s interstates are seeing significant upticks in traffic volume - as much as four times higher than historical averages. As of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, volumes on I-75 northbound were 280 percent higher than normal between the Georgia-Florida state line and Macon. And on I-95 northbound between the Georgia-Florida state line and I-16, volumes were 89 percent higher than normal. In spite of significantly higher volumes, speeds on both highways were reported as normal.
Volumes were even higher Monday evening on both interstates, with an increase on I-75 northbound of 342 percent above normal, and 264 percent above normal on I-95 northbound.
The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes south of metro Atlanta will continue to remain open for northbound traffic only through Tuesday, October 8 to accommodate higher northbound traffic counts from Florida residents heeding local evacuation orders. Express Lanes can be accessed by motorists using a Georgia Peach Pass, Florida Sun Pass or E-Z Pass.
Evacuees into Georgia are finding shelter in some set locations as far north as Atlanta, with possible volume increases to the northern part of the state later in the week.
In the event that motorists need emergency roadside assistance or to report a roadway incident on interstates, dial 511 and request a CHAMP or HERO operator to assist. This is a free service provided to motorists traveling within the state of Georgia.
Georgia State parks are open for RVs and campers, so please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts for more information.
Florida residents are advised to look ahead and plan their evacuation routes by consulting www.511ga.org. More information is also available by visiting Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security at gema.georgia.gov.
