Driving on highway shoulders, grappling with gas shortages, and facing fully booked hotels are just a few of the challenges Floridians encounter as they make critical plans to evacuate their homes. This unprecedented evacuation order is the largest seen since 2017, as residents prepare to confront the looming threat of Hurricane Milton. Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene battered Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 storm, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. Officials warn that Milton’s impact could potentially be even more catastrophic and widespread.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning during an interview, stating, “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever, if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.” Her message underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for residents to take evacuation orders seriously.
In anticipation of the storm, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for this large-scale evacuation. Director Kevin Guthrie announced preparations during a news conference alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, who declared a state of emergency for 51 of the state’s 67 counties. Adding to the anxiety of residents, the National Weather Service in Miami cautions that scattered tornadoes may further disrupt evacuation efforts, warning of potential tornado damage, power outages, and communication failures.
To streamline evacuations, the Florida Department of Transportation announced that evacuees can utilize the left shoulder lane on interstate highways, a measure usually reserved for emergencies like hurricanes. The Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) plans are being implemented on key routes such as eastbound I-4 and portions of northbound I-75. These traffic flow changes aim to ensure that emergency services and utility crews can reach areas likely to be affected by the storm efficiently.
Florida is also waiving tolls on the Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway, which serve as important evacuation routes, according to DeSantis. The Department of Transportation is closely monitoring traffic conditions along these routes, reporting that while the traffic is heavy and slow, it is still moving as intended. As many evacuees travel north into Georgia, the Peach Pass toll authority is adjusting its electronic toll system to convert some southbound lanes into northbound lanes to manage the increased traffic flow.
Finding alternative accommodations has become a daunting task for evacuees, with hotel and rental properties filling up quickly. The Florida-based Rosen Hotels & Resorts has activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates to provide affordable options for those needing a place to stay elsewhere in the state. However, reports indicate that cities as far north as Dothan, Alabama—nearly 400 miles away—are experiencing no vacancy at local hotels. Travel sites like Expedia, Priceline, and Vrbo have also initiated emergency policies for travelers impacted by Hurricane Milton.
For those with recreational vehicles, Atlanta Motor Speedway is stepping in to provide a safe haven for evacuees. Located just 30 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton, Georgia, the speedway is opening its campgrounds for free dry camping, offering space for RVs and tents in its Legends Premium and Tent Campgrounds. The facility will provide access to shower facilities in partnership with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency. Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison emphasized the importance of their support, stating, “If you’re in Milton’s path and looking for a place to stay, we’re here for you.”
Complicating matters further, gas stations throughout Florida are facing fuel shortages as residents rush to fill their tanks before hitting the road. The demand for gasoline is heightened not only by those evacuating but also by individuals choosing to stay at home, filling up their tanks to prepare for potential power outages. With each passing moment, the urgency of the situation grows, and Floridians are left grappling with the multiple obstacles of evacuation while hoping for safety in the face of nature’s wrath.
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