Navigating Road Travel During Hurricane Warnings

Article overview

• Understand when it’s safe—or necessary—to evacuate during hurricane season.
• Learn how to map your route, reserve lodging in advance, and pack your car with emergency essentials.
• Get expert tips for traveling with kids and pets, adjusting your driving in storm conditions, and what to do if stranded.

Picture this: Hurricane season is in full swing, and a named storm is headed to your state. You’ve been watching the models for days, hoping it tracks away from your home. That’s when you get the news that you and your family are in the cone of uncertainty.

The storm is headed your way, and for the safety of you and your family, you make the decision to leave your home behind and head for a safer location. You know that navigating the roads will be a challenge as thousands of other people are evacuating as well, so preparation is key.

Should you be on the road at all?

Just because a storm is headed for your state, that doesn’t mean you should pack your bags right away. Unnecessary travel can be dangerous. Knowing when to hit the road or hunker down is key to your safety and the safety of others. Travel is only advised under the following conditions:

• A voluntary evacuation: Issued when the storm is predicted to hit an area. Leaving is left to the discretion of those in the voluntary evacuation zone.
• A mandatory evacuation: You are legally required to leave your home and seek safety based on your location and evacuation zone.

If neither evacuation order has been issued and your home is hurricane-ready, it maybe safer for you to stay put. 

Monitor real-time weather and road conditions

Even if you’ve planned your route and are leaving early, it’s vital to stay up to date on changing weather and road conditions. The FEMA and National Hurricane Center apps are great resources for monitoring the storm.

• Know the stages of the warning system
  • Hurricane watch – Storm conditions are possible but not guaranteed.
  • Hurricane warning – Storm conditions are expected.

As people in the storm’s path evacuate, road conditions will change. Even detailed plans can be disrupted. Vehicles could sit in traffic on the interstate for hours or run out of gas on the highway.

In addition, during hurricane season, multiple storms may have hit a particular region, and you may be driving through an area that was hit weeks earlier and hasn’t fully recovered, meaning downed trees and power lines as well as limited gas and supplies. Authorities may impose travel restrictions for your area, limiting access to certain routes. Ready.gov, FHWA Travel Info and for available shelters, the Red Cross Emergency Apps can help you stay in the know

Plan and map out your route

Have a destination in mind. Map out an efficient path to get there. This helps you avoid flood zones and bottlenecks. Remember, as the season goes on, you could find yourself traversing a previously impacted area where flooding, fallen trees and supply shortages already exist.

It doesn’t hurt to have a few backup routes as well in case you encounter traffic during your hurricane evacuation. Also, consider carrying a physical map in addition to your phone. GPS or cell phone networks may fail. If your phone dies or loses signal, you’ll need an alternative solution.

Note: The best evacuation routes are government-designated routes. These will receive priority during emergency situations.

Make hotel arrangements before you leave

Once you’ve mapped out your evacuation route, your next critical step is securing a place to stay. Hotels and short-term rentals fill up fast when evacuations are ordered—especially those located inland or along major travel corridors.

• Book early: As soon as it’s clear that you may need to evacuate, start checking for availability and make reservations. Many chains offer flexible cancellation policies during severe weather events.
• Use trusted sources: Consider using reputable hotel websites like AAA.com/Hotels to make quick and verifiable reservations.
• Consider alternatives: If hotels are unavailable, reach out to friends, family or community shelters along your route or at your destination. Some shelters may accommodate pets, but policies vary—call ahead to confirm.
• Print confirmation info: In the event your mobile device’s battery dies or loses signal, have a printed copy of your booking confirmation and directions to the property.

Planning where you’ll stay in advance removes the stress of last-minute scrambling and ensures you have a safe and comfortable place to rest after a potentially stressful drive.

Pack smart: Emergency car essentials

As hurricane season approaches, consider stocking your vehicle with emergency essentials. Key emergency items include:

• A full tank of gas
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks
• A first-aid kit
• Flashlights, batteries and chargers
• Emergency blanket
• Items for entertaining children and adults (e.g., crossword puzzles, books, coloring books and games)

These items are essential if you are delayed, detoured or even stranded.

Adjusting your driving behavior for storm conditions

Storm evacuations are often accompanied by with heavy traffic, unfamiliar locations and stressed people. Here are some things to consider when you’re on the road:

• Keep a safe distance – Traffic will be stop and go. You don’t want to cause an accident by following too closely.
• Avoid standing water – Standing water can be deceptive. Your vehicle will go nowhere fast if you try to cross a puddle and end up submerging it.
• Disable cruise control – Cruise control reduces your ability to act quickly and limits traction, especially when dealing with adverse road conditions.
• Keep your headlights on – This allows you to see and be seen on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions.

If you get stranded

If you’re stranded mid-evacuation, stay in your vehicle unless faced with immediate danger. Your vehicle will protect you from the elements until help arrives. For help, contact AAA Roadside Assistance or emergency services.

An impending storm and ongoing evacuation will slow response time. While you wait, it is imperative that you conserve your vehicle’s battery and stay visible so that emergency responders can locate you.

Traveling with kids and pets

If you are traveling with little ones or furry companions, consider the following hurricane evacuation travel tips:

• Pack snacks, medication, comfort items and pet supplies.
• Plan bathroom and stretch breaks in advance.
• Pack your pet crate or carrier to use on the road and at your destination.

Hurricane evacuations are stressful. Roadways are congested and unpredictable. If you can shelter in place, then doing so will ease the strain on those who must evacuate. If you cannot stay home, careful planning is the best way to reduce risks and stay in control. Knowing when to go, where to go and what to expect will help you and your family stay safe this hurricane season.