(ATLANTA, GA) – As Tropical Storm Irma moves throughout the state today, Georgia DOT strongly advises residents to stay safe and shelter in place. After the storm passes and officials deem conditions safe, Georgia DOT crews will work quickly to clear as many of the interstates and major state routes as possible before nightfall and conditions become too dangerous to work. In some areas of the state, crews are already working to clear debris and ensure safe passage on interstates and state routes.
“While the heavy rainfall and high winds have moved out of the southern part of the state, middle and north Georgia are currently experiencing the brunt of the storm,” said Georgia DOT’s Chief Engineer Meg Pirkle. “People on the roadways are putting themselves in extreme danger from wind gusts up to 65 mph in the metro area, and downed trees and power lines, so we continue to advise that people stay where they are for the time being.”
Current conditions as of 6:30 p.m. on roadways across the state:
South East Georgia: Crews will begin working on clearing debris from I-95 which is closed in multiple locations due to downed trees and debris.
South West Georgia: Multiple crews will be clearing different routes at the same time – multiple roadway incidents associated with debris. Crews will begin work on I-75, with others going to major four lane routes – US 82, US 84, US 319, US 19, US 27 and SR 300.
East Central Georgia: Crews are prepared and waiting for the storm to subside enough to begin work on clearing interstate and major state routes.
West Central Georgia: Crews have been working to clear interstates and major state routes, however there is debris on I-75 in Henry, Monroe and Butts counties.
Metro District: Crews have been working to clear drains and debris from all interstates.
Current conditions include:
- DeKalb County: Memorial Drive between Douglas and Watson
- SR 13/ Buford Highway @ West Druid Hills Road closed due to tree down
North East Georgia: Crews are prepared and standing by to clear roads once the storm has passed.
North West Georgia: Crews are prepared and standing by to clear roads once the storm has passed.
Georgia DOT cautions residents, if they must travel:
- Watch out for downed limbs, trees and power lines on the roadways.
- Treat a non-working traffic signal as a four-way stop.
- If you must travel, wait until daylight and use extreme caution on roadways.
- Steady rain can cause flash flooding quickly.
- Be aware there is a difference between flash flood and storm surge.
- Street flooding can occur quickly … do not drive onto roadways completely covered with moving water.
- If a barricade is in place, it is there for your safety. DO NOT drive around it.
Georgia DOT advises that it is not safe to be on the roadways at this time. Exercise patience and stay informed about roadway conditions and other information on Tropical Storm Irma with the following resources:
- For current roadway conditions, or to report roadway conditions: 511ga.org or dial 511
- For roadway information and evacuation routes, visit Georgia DOT at dot.ga.gov
- For emergency information and updates: GEMA/HS at gema.ga.gov
- For information on emergency shelters, visit American Red Cross at www.redcross.org
- For news alerts and information from throughout the state, visit www.GPBnews.org
- For a HERO or CHAMP Operator: Dial 511 and request assistance
