Hurricane Season Information
Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th.
Click here to view 2008 Hurricane Brochure.
Georgia is impacted from 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 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.
Be Prepared
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.
Family Emergency Supply List
- 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 numbersPLAN 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.
Evacuation Routes
Detailed route maps or text-based driving directions.
Contra-Flow Lanes - I-16 One-Way Driving Guides
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.
Real-Time Traffic Conditions
During hurricane season, Georgia DOT HEROs will patrol the Interstate-16 corridor to assist motorists. These units have speciallytrained 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.
Georgia Public Radio Updates
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. Tune into these FM stations for severe weather information
Albany 91.7
Athens 91.7/97.9
Augusta 90.7
Brunswick 88.9
Carrollton 90.7
Columbus 88.1
Demorest 88.3
Dahlonega 89.5
Ft. Gaines 90.9
Macon 89.7
Savannah 91.1
Tifton 91.1
Valdosta 91.7
Waycross 90.1