As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents flee to Georgia
As Hurricane Milton barrels towards the Gulf Coast, Florida residents are evacuating to safety, with many heading to the Peach State.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As Hurricane Milton barrels towards the Gulf
Coast, Florida residents are evacuating to safety, with many heading to the Peach State.
Middle Georgia gas stations were full Wednesday morning as people fueled up to continue their journey from Florida.
Evacuees from the Tampa and Lakeland area are making their way to Macon, Atlanta and Warner Robins. Brandy Purdy, along with her husband, left their home in Lakeland, Florida, at 2 a.m. aiming for Warner Robins.
“We wanted to make it to Buc-ee’s, and then we’ll find a hotel or something to stay at,” she said.
Brandy has lived in Lakeland almost her entire life. This is her first time evacuating Florida. She said Hurricane Milton scares her.
“The strength of this storm, and we live in a mobile home, so we just want to make sure that we’re safe, so we left,” she said.
Another evacuee, Diganta Dutta, who has lived in Tampa for 11 years, is also evacuating for the first time. After leaving his apartment at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, he is heading to an Airbnb in Atlanta. Dutta said he was concerned about the historic nature of the storm.
“Just the fact that Tampa hasn’t been hit directly in, like, a hundred years, this one’s coming directly at us,” he said. “I’m just hoping for the safety of everyone down there and hopefully a full recovery from whatever comes our way.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports a significant increase in traffic volumes on Georgia interstates as Floridians flee to Georgia for safety. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) said volumes On I-75 Northbound Tuesday morning were 280% higher than normal between the Georgia-Florida line and Macon. Volumes were even higher Monday night, with an increase on I-75 Northbound of 342% above normal.
GDOT District Communications Officer Gina Snider offered some reminders for those fleeing Florida, saying they should ensure their cars are in good working order and to have a full tank of gas. They should also expect traffic delays.
GDOT recommendeds utilizing rest areas and downloading the 511 Georgia app for up-to-date traffic information.
