HURRICANE HELENE: Alabama offers plenty of hurricane evacuation routes

Hurricane evacuation map – Graphic from Alabama Department of Transportation

People wanting to escape the danger of Hurricane Helene can find plenty of evacuation routes in Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Transportation says with evacuation orders issued in some Florida counties, highways across South Alabama are available to move people to safer areas.

ALDOT designates at least a dozen roadways coming north or west out of Florida as hurricane evacuation routes.

You can view the hurricane evacuation routes here

In order to accommodate evacuation traffic, ALDOT has ordered a halt to non-emergency lane restrictions or lane closures on all state, U.S. and interstate highways. This directive does not apply to construction projects that already have lane restrictions in place.

What to Expect

Parts of Alabama along the Georgia line are expected to experience high winds and heavy, sustained rainfall. Impacts in Alabama will last through Friday. ALDOT and emergency management officials urge Alabama residents to closely monitor weather forecasts for the potential for changing conditions, including the storm track itself.

Emergency coordinators from ALDOT will be stationed at the Alabama Emergency Management Agency’s command center to work in conjunction with local officials and to direct resources as needed. ALDOT crews have made preparations to deal with storm-related damage as Helene moves inland. Crews across the state will remain on standby for debris removal and repairs arising from storm impacts.

“We maintain a constant state of readiness to respond to emergencies, whether it’s related to crashes on our roadways or the impacts of storms like Hurricane Helene,” ALDOT deputy director of operations George Conner said. “We are monitoring Helene and have made preparations to respond to any impacts to Alabama’s roadways under ALDOT’S jurisdiction. Our routes leading away from the parts of Florida predicted to be most impacted are open, and our prayers are with our neighbors in the path of this major hurricane.”

Safety Tips

ALDOT officials are urging motorists to exercise caution and be prepared for potential disruptions. They are also urging the public to stay weather aware, monitor local news media outlets and social media for official announcements and to heed all warnings.

• Stay off the roads: If possible, avoid driving during the height of the storm and immediately after.
• Be aware of flooding: Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Use caution on wet roads: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or swerving.
• Watch for downed trees and power lines: Be alert for potential hazards that may be obscured by storm conditions.
• Have an emergency kit: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, including essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

ALDOT will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Motorists can find Alabama traffic and road condition information here or by downloading the ALGO Traffic app.