Hurricane Milton

Updated: 10/8/24 at 11 a.m.

Hurricane Milton has explosively intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 175 MPH. Milton strengthened from a tropical depression to a Category 5 hurricane in only 48 hours, one of the most extreme hurricane intensifications we've ever seen. Further strengthening is possible through tomorrow as it moves northeastward towards Florida. Although weakening is anticipated before landfall, the wind field will expand and Milton will become a much larger hurricane. This will cause impacts to be felt far from the center of the storm, including in South Georgia.

Milton is expected to make a devastating landfall near Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Sarasota as a dangerous major hurricane on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Heavy rain bands and gusty winds could start to move into far Southeast Georgia on Wednesday afternoon and evening, continuing overnight through Thursday morning. The following counties could receive 2 to 6 inches of rainfall and tropical storm force winds of 40-50 mph: Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Liberty, Bryan, Chatham, Charlton, Ware, Echols, Clinch, Brantley, Pierce, Wayne, Long, Appling, Bacon, Atkinson, Lanier, Lowndes, and Brooks. Flash flooding is possible where the heaviest rainfall occurs — likely in Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Brantley, Charlton, and Ware Counties. Areas farther inland should receive less than 2 inches of rain and wind gusts should stay below 35 mph. The timing for impacts in Southeast Georgia (heavy rain and gusty winds) will be Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings may be issued for parts of coastal Georgia and some inland counties in far Southeast Georgia. A Storm Surge Watch may also be considered for parts of the Georgia coast. 2 to 4 feet of storm surge will be possible which could cause some coastal flooding inundation during high tide cycles Wednesday night and Thursday. Tornadoes are not expected in Georgia with this system. Milton will quickly move eastward and direct impacts to the Southeast will end by Thursday evening.

Evacuee Information

Attention Florida Evacuees: 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, and Atlanta. However, please call ahead as resources in South Georgia are limited.

Georgia State parks are open for RVs and Campers, so please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts for more information. Plan your evacuation routes accordingly, and stay safe! For more information, visit gema.georgia.gov.

If you need a safe place, the Atlanta Motor Speedway is opening its area for evacuees ahead of Hurricane Milton. Stay safe, and click here for more details.

Shelters for Florida Evacuees

For up-to-date shelter information, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html.