Traffic building as Floridians flee in advance of Hurricane Milton

Georgia transportation officials report high traffic volumes on interstate and state routes as Floridians flee Hurricane Milton.

The storm is expected to land as a Category 5 hurricane in west central Florida in the early morning hours Thursday, Oct. 10.

In addition to warnings throughout much of Florida, Georgia’s coast is under a tropical storm watch due to expected impacts, including the threat of significant rain and high winds a possibility.

As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Interstate 75 northbound traffic volumes were 280 percent higher than normal between the Georgia-Florida state line and Macon. On Interstate 95 northbound between the Georgia-Florida state line and Interstate 16, volumes were 89 percent higher than normal.

Despite the 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, while I-95 northbound is operating 264 percent above normal.

The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes south of metro Atlanta will remain open for northbound traffic only through Tuesday, Oct. 8, to accommodate higher northbound traffic counts from Florida residents heeding local evacuation orders. Motorists can access Express Lanes using a Georgia Peach Pass, Florida Sun Pass or E-Z Pass.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed suspending tolls across Central Florida, West Florida and Alligator Alley. By suspending tolls, travelers can quickly and safely evacuate if and when directed by local officials.

Tolls will be waived for seven days starting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.