Scan Expedia.com for hotels located in Valdosta, Georgia and one thing becomes quickly evident.
There is no room at the inn.
Of the 47 Valdosta-based listings, every single one is sold out. What's more, while searching Expedia.com, a pop-up appears declaring that some 300 people are simultaneously searching for Valdosta hotels listings.
Located less than an hour north of the Florida border, Valdosta is a sought-after destination for its convenient location along the I-75 Freeway. That's right along the major artery being utilized by people fleeing the state of Florida in advance of Hurricane Irma.
Many of the hotels along I-75 are "seeing a surge in reservations," according to Ken Patel who operates the Wingate by Wyndham in Warner Robins, Georgia, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Macon, the next major city along the I-75, located some three hours north of the border-and a good nine-hour drive from Miami-still has some availability, but not much. As of press time, there were less than a dozen rooms left for evacuees looking to shell out less than a hundred bucks a night. An info bubble by Expedia also alerted users to the fact that the destination is now 90 percent booked.
Despite the near-at-capacity occupancies, Macon itself might not be far enough north to escape the wrath of Irma, either.
"[Irma is] trending somewhat toward the state of Georgia and that concerns us," said Jason Deese, a National Weather Service lead forecaster located in Peachtree City, Georgia, according to Macon.com. "Please prepare now."
Earlier Monday morning, Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for Georgia's six coastal counties. No evacuations have been ordered, but the executive order serves to prohibit price gouging and to increase accessibility for relief workers.
"Ahead of Hurricane Irma, I've issued an executive order prohibiting price gouging and waiving rules and regulations for motor vehicles transporting supplies, equipment, personnel, goods and services associated with disaster assistance and relief," said Deal.
"This state of emergency also ensures aid for the six counties potentially impacted by this catastrophic storm. We will continue monitoring Hurricane Irma's path in the days ahead and coordinating with our federal, state and local partners. I urge Georgians in the affected counties to remain vigilant and be prepared."
It's impossible to know at this point how far north-if at all-Irma will travel. But even South Carolina might not be far enough for evacuees to escape Irma's path.
On Wednesday afternoon, South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster became the latest governor to issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency.
"The state of emergency allows one of the best, most experienced emergency response teams in the entire world to begin organizing response efforts," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "South Carolina is fortunate to have time to allow us to prepare for Hurricane Irma's potential landfall, and it is important that families and individuals in vulnerable areas use that time to review safety plans in case they are needed."
The governor's office issued a list of recommendations, including urging people in potentially vulnerable areas to "review personal safety plans, become familiar with local evacuation zones in coastal counties and locate the nearest hurricane evacuation routes."
A Hurricane Guide can be picked up at all Walgreen's stores throughout South Caroline as well as at rest areas located along the state's interstate roadways.
"It's too soon to rule out any possibilities," said Kim Stenson, the director of SCEMD, the state's emergency management division. "Hurricane Irma is a dangerous storm, and its projected path could put South Carolina in harm's way. Fortunately, people in South Carolina have time. While we hope we never see a hurricane head our way, we all need prepare for the possible effects."
More Hurricane Irma Coverage
Airlines Making Changes
As a result of the major storm, airlines in Florida and throughout the Caribbean are watching the warnings from the National Hurricane Center in order to keep passengers safe through delays and cancellations.
Cruise Itineraries
For cruise passengers wondering if their voyages have been impacted, all major cruise lines with itineraries in the Caribbean have modified schedules and/or canceled cruises.
Travel Insurance
Wondering if your travel insurance will cover you in the case of Hurricane Irma? TravelPulse has all the information you need.
Theme Parks
What you need to know if you have a Florida theme park vacation planned during Hurricane Irma.
Mark Murphy Talks Irma
President and CEO of travAlliancemedia Mark Murphy was a guest on FOX 29 Philadelphia Wednesday and provided travelers with some helpful insight regarding what to expect and how to prepare for a storm as massive as the category five Hurricane Irma.
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