NC evacuation routes

[buzz5985]

I am currently on HHI. I am due to leave Saturday, driving north to Boston. Closely watching the track of Hurrican Irene. Depending on what happens today, we may leave Friday and are trying to decide whether we should just go right up Route 95, or go the inland route - 26-77-81. We came down this way - and I will be honest - I hated it. Didn't feel like it was worth the added time.

So my question is - when NC coast is evacuated - how soon do they evacuate, and where do they evacuate to??

Thanks

Janis

 

[Robert P]

I am currently on HHI. I am due to leave Saturday, driving north to Boston. Closely watching the track of Hurrican Irene. Depending on what happens today, we may leave Friday and are trying to decide whether we should just go right up Route 95, or go the inland route - 26-77-81. We came down this way - and I will be honest - I hated it. Didn't feel like it was worth the added time.

So my question is - when NC coast is evacuated - how soon do they evacuate, and where do they evacuate to??

Thanks

Janis

Sorry, I don't know the evacuation times (how soon) part.

The major NC evac route uses I-40 out of Wilmington. Further North, it would have to be 64 out of Manteo towards Rocky Mount. I-95 should not have major evac issues, as the purpose is to move people inland (West) rather than North/South along the path. Traffic concerns would be if people come inland and stay at one of the I-95 hotels while it passes.

IMHO:
Looking at the path now, it looks like you'll be ahead of the worst of it if leaving Saturday morning, and will drive out of it somewhere lower VA (based on current projected path). I don't know if that would warrant a 26-77-81 inland detour either, if you left Sat. a.m.

If the weather was too bad while driving Saturday, you could start up 95, then see about taking 40 West to Raleigh/Durham. Above Durham, I-85 takes you up to Richmond, VA. That much smaller detour could take you out of the worst weather for most of NC, but still put you ahead of the storm, and back on 95 in Richmond. Just a thought, if that situation occurs.

Travel safe!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Did you do a Google search for evacuation route info? Lots of info available:

http://www.scdot.org/getting/pdfs/S_EvacC.pdf

http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/publicsafety/hurricane/warnings.cfm?menuheader=4

The latest warning for HHI states that the storm will pass Friday night, so Saturday is a little late to evacuate and Friday you will be in the storm and I assume trapped in mobs of traffic:

http://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/publicsafety/hurricane/stormupdates.cfm?menuheader=4

 

[taylor3297]

Already evacuating. http://www.wral.com/weather/story/10042666/

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Already evacuating. http://www.wral.com/weather/story/10042666/

I cannot imagine getting stuck in evacuation traffic. It must be a nightmare.