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Hurricane Information

Hurricane Season is June 1st to November 30th

Georgia is impacted by tropical systems from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. During a hurricane, wind gusts exceeding 74 mph and torrential rain can cause damage to Georgia’s shoreline. The direct hit of a hurricane also can cause a storm surge, a large dome of water more than 50 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline near the area where the eye of a hurricane makes landfall. 

Storm surge remains the greatest threat to human life, but effective evacuations have reduced the number of fatalities. The six coastal counties at highest risk of evacuation because of storm surge are Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh.

Stay Informed!

Plan Ahead

  • If you live in a coastal area, know your evacuation and shelter routes.
  • Keep your emergency supplies stocked.
  • Remain alert for tornado watches and warnings.
  • Practice and discuss your family’s emergency plans.

Be Prepared!

  • A three-day supply of bottled water per person
  • Non-perishable food (canned, dried, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit and any prescription medicines
  • Battery-powered radio, extra batteries
  • Flashlights, batteries
  • Flares, booster cables, tire repair kit, fire extinguisher
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
  • List of emergency phone numbers

Evacuation Routes

View map below for detailed evacuation routes.

Georgia Public Radio

Radio

Georgia Public Radio, in cooperation with Georgia DOT, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Georgia Public Broadcasting System, will provide updates on road and traffic conditions in the event of a hurricane.

Severe Weather Information

Listen to GPB Online Radio  or tune into the following FM stations for the latest updates.

Albany WUNV / 91.7 FM Folkston WATY / 91.3 FM
Athens WUGA / 91.7 & 97.9 FM Ft. Gaines WJWV / 90.9 FM
Augusta WACG / 90.7 FM Macon WMUM / 89.7 FM
Brunswick WWIO / 88.9 FM Rome WGPB / 97.7 FM
Carrollton WUWG / 90.7 FM Savannah WSVH / 91.1 FM
Chatsworth WNGH / 98.8 FM Tifton WABR / 91.1 FM
Columbus / Warm Springs WJSP / 88.1 FM Valdosta WWET / 91.7 FM
Demorest WPPR / 88.3 FM Waycross WXVS / 90.1 FM
Dahlonega WNGU / 89.5 FM

Contra-Flow Lanes - I-16 One-Way Driving Guides

Crossover Sign

Normally, Interstate 16 carries east and westbound traffic. In the event of a mandatory evacuation from coastal Georgia, I-16 eastbound lanes will become “contra-flow lanes,” or reverse lanes. All I-16 lanes will be westbound traffic only from Savannah to west of U.S. 441 in Dublin, a total of 125 miles. Georgia DOT also can “contra flow” other interstates in the case of emergencies.

I-16 One-Way Driver's Guide

Real-Time Traffic Conditions

HERO

During hurricane season, Georgia DOT HEROs will patrol the Interstate-16 corridor to assist motorists. These units have specially trained personnel who can respond quickly to accidents and disabled vehicles. Message boards alert motorists to exit ramp closures/openings as well as locations for gas, food, etc. Our signs also alert the public to selected FM radio stations for weather and traffic updates. The information will include news of shelter availability, travel time, alternate routes and other information of importance to evacuees.

Interactive Georgia Traffic Conditions via 511