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Hurricane Milton has caused travel disruptions as it takes aim at Florida's west coast. The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with possible record storm surges and flooding anticipated in the Tampa area. This has resulted in mandatory evacuation orders and airport closures across parts of Florida, with many evacuees heading towards the Atlanta area. While Georgia has been spared the worst of the hurricane, the coast remains under storm surge and tropical storm warnings. This raises the question of whether Hurricane Milton will have a direct impact on Atlanta Airport and cause further travel disruptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 9 October 2024 |
| Location | Over the Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 21.7°N - 91.3°W |
| Category | 3-5 |
| Impact | Florida's west coast, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Orlando |
| Evacuation Centres | Atlanta Motor Speedway, National Indoor RV Centres, Georgia State Parks |
| Travel Advisory | Interstate 75 in south Georgia closed, bumper-to-bumper traffic |
| Flight Advisory | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Hurricane Milton's path and strength
Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 hurricane with 180-mph winds, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane has been described as explosively strengthening, with wind speeds increasing by 95 mph in 24 hours and by 120 mph in 36 hours. The storm rapidly strengthened from Category 2 to 5 in just a few hours on Monday.
The path of Hurricane Milton includes the Gulf of Mexico, where it is projected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The hurricane is expected to affect the Florida Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa, with a potentially deadly storm surge of 10-15 feet possible for Tampa and other coastal communities. The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton "poses an extremely serious threat to Florida".
The state of Florida has been preparing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, with evacuations taking place and shelters being set up in hurricane-stricken areas. The Florida Department of Transportation is allowing people to drive on the left northbound shoulder of Interstate 75 from Tampa to Interstate 10 in north Florida to facilitate the evacuation. Many people are headed toward the Atlanta area to get away from the storm. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging evacuees to travel further north into Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta areas, providing refuge in state parks with RVs, campers, and cottages.
The impact of Hurricane Milton is expected to be widespread, with 51 out of 67 counties in Florida under a state of emergency. The hurricane is projected to cause life-threatening storm surges, flooding rain, and damaging winds. The National Hurricane Center has raised potential storm surge heights, and warnings have been extended northward along the Atlantic Coast. Storm surges are expected along the eastern Florida Panhandle and south through the Florida Keys, with potential surges of up to 15 feet in Tampa Bay.
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Atlanta airport closures
Hurricane Milton has caused travel disruptions as it takes aim at Florida's west coast. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, with wind speeds of up to 20 mph and a windfield of up to 300 miles. It is expected to bring possible record storm surges and flooding to the Tampa area. As a result, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for at least parts of 14 counties along Florida's west coast, including Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hernando, Hillsborough, and Lee, among others.
Several airports in the path of the hurricane have announced temporary closures. Tampa International Airport suspended operations on Tuesday morning and will remain closed to the public until further notice. The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, just outside Tampa, also closed on Tuesday afternoon. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed on Tuesday evening, and Orlando International Airport ceased commercial operations on Wednesday morning. Jacksonville International Airport remains open but is monitoring the storm's progress.
As Floridians evacuate, many are heading towards the Atlanta area. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging evacuees to travel further north into Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta. Resources in South Georgia are limited, so evacuees are advised to call ahead. The Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened its campground to evacuees, and Georgia State Parks are also accommodating RVs and campers.
Delta Air Lines has issued advisories regarding travel impacted by Hurricane Milton. Customers with original ticket issue dates on or before October 10, 2024, can reschedule their travel beyond October 23 without a change fee, although a difference in fare may apply. If travel cannot be rescheduled, customers may cancel their reservation and apply the unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket within one year of the original ticket issuance.
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Evacuation to Atlanta
With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, thousands of Floridians are evacuating to Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging evacuees to travel to Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta areas, to keep them away from storm-ravaged areas like Valdosta and Augusta, which were affected by Hurricane Helene.
Traffic and Road Closures
Interstate 75 in south Georgia has been closed on Monday evening as Floridians flee the path of Hurricane Milton. Traffic has been bumper-to-bumper, moving at about 6 to 7 mph, with the traffic snarl stretching for miles north of Tampa and in the Wildwood area. The Florida Department of Transportation is allowing motorists to drive on the left northbound shoulder of Interstate 75 from Tampa to Interstate 10 in north Florida, and along eastbound Interstate 4. Officials say the right shoulder lanes are limited to emergency vehicles only.
Atlanta Accommodations
The Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened its campground to evacuees ahead of Hurricane Milton, and the National Indoor RV Centers have also opened their sites to those needing a place to stay. Georgia State Parks are open for RVs and campers, and many state parks have cottages and campsites available.
Airports
Airports across parts of Florida have closed or will be closing as Hurricane Milton approaches. Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Orlando Executive Airport, and Orlando International Airport have all suspended operations. Jacksonville International Airport remains open but is monitoring the storm's progress.
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Interstate travel to Atlanta
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents are evacuating to Atlanta, Georgia. Traffic on Interstate 75 northbound was bumper-to-bumper, with cars moving at about 6 to 7 mph. The traffic stretched for miles north of Tampa and in the Wildwood area, where Florida's Turnpike pours into I-75. The Florida Department of Transportation is allowing people to drive on the left northbound shoulder of Interstate 75 from Tampa to Interstate 10 in north Florida, and along eastbound Interstate 4.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging evacuees to travel further north into Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta areas to keep them away from the storm-ravaged areas of Valdosta and Augusta because of Hurricane Helene. Due to evacuations, Georgia’s interstates saw large increases in traffic volume, with volume on I-75 North 280% higher than normal between the Florida border and Macon.
If you are travelling to Atlanta, be aware that resources in South Georgia are limited. It may be difficult to find hotel availability south of Atlanta, but many state parks still have cottages and campsites available. Call the park directly to make a same-day cottage reservation. Park phone numbers can be found at gastateparks.org/Milton. Cottages south of Atlanta with availability as of October 10 include Indian Springs (4 cottages), Chattahoochee Bend (2), Crooked River (6), FD Roosevelt (2), Florence Marina (5), Fort McAllister (2), Seminole (6), and Little Ocmulgee (5). Many cottages remain available in north Georgia as well.
In metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the National Indoor RV Centers have opened their sites to those needing a place to stay. Georgia State Parks have also been open to RVs and campers.
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Atlanta accommodation for evacuees
As Hurricane Milton heads towards Florida, thousands of people are evacuating to Atlanta. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is encouraging evacuees to travel to Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta areas to keep them away from storm-ravaged areas like Valdosta and Augusta, which were affected by Hurricane Helene.
Atlanta Accommodations for Evacuees
Evacuees from Florida can find refuge in several places in Atlanta. Here are some options:
- Atlanta Motor Speedway: The Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) has opened its campgrounds to evacuees, offering free dry camping in its Legends Premium Campground for RVs and vehicles. Complimentary shower facilities are available, and a limited number of full hook-up spaces are offered at $35 per night. Evacuees can enter through specific entrances on GA Highway 20/Lower Woolsey Road (Entrance "H") and US Highway 19/41 (Entrance "E").
- Hotels: Small hotels in Atlanta, such as the Comfort Inn just west of downtown, have accommodated evacuees in the past and may offer discounted rates.
- State Parks: Georgia State Parks are open and ready to receive evacuees. Cottages are available south of Atlanta in Indian Springs, Chattahoochee Bend, Crooked River, FD Roosevelt, Florence Marina, Fort McAllister, Seminole, and Little Ocmulgee. Evacuees are encouraged to call ahead and make same-day cottage reservations.
- Shelters: The American Red Cross has opened shelters in several hurricane-stricken areas, offering refuge to evacuees.
- U-Haul Storage: U-Haul companies across Georgia and South Carolina are offering one month of free storage and portable containers for Florida evacuees.
It is important to note that resources in South Georgia may be limited due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. Evacuees are encouraged to call ahead and make reservations, especially in areas far from the impacted zones, to avoid straining limited resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Hurricane Milton is expected to affect the Atlanta airport as it is causing travel disruptions across Florida and Georgia.
As of 2024-10-09, the Atlanta airport is operational, but there may be limited flights available due to the hurricane. It is recommended to check with your airline for the latest updates.
Yes, people evacuating the storm are advised to consider travelling further north to Albany, Columbus, Macon, and Atlanta areas to avoid storm-ravaged areas.
Yes, the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the National Indoor RV Centers have opened their sites to those seeking shelter from the storm.
As of 2024-10-09, Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 3 storm. It made landfall near Florida's Siesta Key and is expected to bring storm surges and tropical storm conditions to the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and southern South Carolina.
