Seeking post-hurricane Helene & Milton travel route advice Mid-Atlantic to SW Florida

[Boudicca908]

I am looking for general and specific input regarding recent road and fuel-stop conditions in the past week, for travel from the mid-Atlantic region down to southern Florida. I am heading to Lee County (west coast) but I feel inclined to stick to the east coast until I get as far south as Titusville. Yesterday, I received confirmation from two state parks that they are going to be closed. Today is 10/15; I will be leaving Chesapeake VA around 10/18. I will be taking my time heading south. 

I have perused the FPL website (power outages) trying to gauge where I might encounter fueling problems, but it's not specific enough. With the heavy south-bound snow bird traffic, I am a bit concerned about getting stuck somewhere without a landing or without fuel. 

Has anyone driven I-75 or I-95 south from I-10 since Milton? How about any experience post-hurricane driving the gut (interior corridor) south of Orlando via US-17? 

Thanks in advance for any help.  

Edited October 15 by Boudicca908
added info

[roguebooks]

I-75 South is congested especially north and south of Atlanta. I drove up from Gainesville Friday and it was bumper to bumper and backed up for many miles. I was driving north of course and it took me over three hours just to get through Atlanta. I know nothing about I-95 or I-65 but it would have to be better. Gasoline is no longer a problem anywhere I’ve been.

[SeaDawg]

Costco, wawa, and Thornton in our county have had consistent deliveries, and lines. Other stations are opening as power , internet, and incoming trucks are getting better.

Gadbuddy had a special "availability " in their app, but it's honestly not very good here.

I95 is possibly a better bet. Check out Google maps for slowdowns. And waze. 

Friends in the south counties have reported things "normalizing," at least a bit. Carry fuel in the back of your truck, just in case, and stay at least somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 , if you can. 

Lines are not as long here today in North and central Pinellas county, as many people have had power restored, so generators can be shut down. And, more stations are getting deliveries.

I'd ask your neighbors at home what the fuel situation is like there.

Edited October 15 by SeaDawg

[SeaDawg]

Also, make sure your spare tires are good. There is so much debris on the roads. Daughter had a flat last week. Screw in tire. 

 

[Boudicca908]

Thank you for the input! 

[NomadLife]

12 hours ago, SeaDawg said:

Also, make sure your spare tires are good. There is so much debris on the roads. Daughter had a flat last week. Screw in tire. 

 

Which tire replacement Jack do you recommend we buy?  I fled FL because my area got hit pretty good! 

[SeaDawg]

If you have an E2, as i think you do, I can't help.

We have an Elite I. 

Edited October 17 by SeaDawg

[SeaDawg]

Things get better every day. More of my neighborhood gets debris cleared off driveway and lawns. It's a little less depressing to look down the street, where furniture,  cabinets, drywall, and memories of a lifetime were piled, yesterday.

But, that doesn't mean hazards aren't there. Drive carefully.  Crap everywhere on the streets. Fasteners, glass, and metal bits...

And, as I said before, make sure spares are good. Tire plugs, fixaflat, and portable compressor may just be your new best friends.

Most of my friends now have power. Not everyone. 

Worse with our friends up by Asheville.  These storms showed no favoritism. My heart goes out to all affected.

Samaritans purse has helped many here, and in Asheville area, if anyone is looking for a worthy place to contribute.  

Edited October 17 by SeaDawg

[Boudicca908]

I drove south along I-95 today, from Savannah to Titusville, and there was a lot of debris on the interstate. Enough to force drivers out of a lane for about a mile in one section. Traffic was steady but not too bad, and I didn’t encounter any issues with flooding (contrary to the google maps warnings). 

[SeaDawg]

Debris is,still everywhere,  even though many of rhe huge piles are cleared. The small sharp stuff may be still in the roads and streets. Lots of flats in our neighborhood,  from leftover unseen sharp metals,  screws etc 

As you come further south, be careful. Gas supply is much more normalized.  Most stores are open. Most folks have grid power. Many neighborhoods are still sad looking but others are recovering to certain extent. Mine is far less depressing than last week.

Welcome back.

[Patriot]

On 10/16/2024 at 10:38 AM, NomadLife said:

Which tire replacement Jack do you recommend we buy?  I fled FL because my area got hit pretty good! 

Not to hijack this thread.

We have an LE2 and this lives in the back of our TV when we travel. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJJZ5NI?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_KA0NVZ9NHHFNSBGZS58H&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_KA0NVZ9NHHFNSBGZS58H&social_share=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_KA0NVZ9NHHFNSBGZS58H

There are many choices out there. I wanted a large base and a jack stand combo for stability. The user reviews are strong.

Now back to OP’s original questions on travel. 😎

Edited October 20 by Patriot