Hurricane Milton: Georgia issues travel alert amid Florida evacuations

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Hurricane Milton at 21.7°N - 91.3°W over the Gulf of Mexico (Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Georgia has issued a travel alert ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida this week. The storm has been developing rapidly in the gulf, strengthening to a Category 5 by Monday afternoon.

This is expected to be Florida's largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017. At least 51 counties are under a state of emergency, and many residents are expected to seek refuge in the Peach State.

Hurricane Milton upgraded to Cat 5

Hurricane Milton was upgraded to a category 5 hurricane on Monday morning. It is headed straight for Florida.

Explore Georgia, a website known for promoting tourism and popular events, provided the following guide of recovery and evacuee resources:

Hurricane Milton: Florida evacuation resources

Georgia Emergency Resources:

Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency

Evacuation Routes and Road Conditions:

Weather Updates:

Rapid intensification: How storms turn to monstrous hurricanes

What is rapid intensification? It's a perfect storm of warm water, moist air and favorable winds coming together in a dramatic, and sometimes dangerous, way. FOX 5 Storm Team Jonathan Stacey breaks down how a simple storm can quickly turn into a monstrous hurricane.

Where to Go

Due to the widespread damage across many Georgia counties from Hurricane Helene’s impact, we welcome you to find refuge in areas such as Albany, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Atlanta, Cartersville, Ellijay, and Dahlonega. Resources in South Georgia are limited, so please call ahead.

Milton evacuations: Where to avoid in Georgia

There are several areas in north Florida and Georgia still feeling the effects of Helene. The area Milton evacuees should avoid.

Georgia Lodging

Shelters

Hotels & Private Rentals

Access real-time Georgia hotel and private rental availability through Tripadvisor and Airbnb.

If you are concerned about existing reservations, please contact your lodging provider directly.

Campsites & Cabins

Georgia State Parks are open for RVs and campers, including pets, and some equestrian facilities are available. Before you go, please check GaStateParks.org/Alerts for closures, updates, and availability.

If you need to change existing reservations, please call 1-800-864-7275.

Pet-friendly Accommodations

Pets Welcome has a hurricane resource page with pet-friendly lodging options that is updated in real-time and searchable by location: petswelcome.com/hurricane-emergency/near-me.

Pet-Friendly Hotels website: pet-friendly-hotels.net

Visitor Information Centers

All nine state Visitor Information Centers are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and are available to assist with identifying accommodations and travel information. Restrooms are open 24/7 at the Valdosta, St. Marys, and Port Wentworth (Savannah) centers, which are situated on or near evacuation routes. Locations and contact information can be found here.

A state map showing Georgia’s nine Visitor Information Centers, major cities, interstates, highways, and airports can be found here.

Airport Updates

Milton evacuation: Heavy traffic along I-75

Interstate 75 in south Georgia is closed on Monday evening as Floridians flee the path of catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane Milton: Recovery resources

Shelters and Feeding Locations

The American Red Cross has opened shelters in several hurricane-stricken areas. To view the listing, click here.

The Salvation Army has established several sites in various hurricane-stricken areas, offering meals to those in need. Please click here to view the listing.

Business Resources

Georgia businesses and organizations can find resources on the Georgia Department of Economic Development website, which offers tools and information to help navigate recovery.