Fleeing from Hurricane Irma; Florida Roads Blocked

As Hurricane Irma approaches the southern regions of Florida, residents are evacuating their homes. These areas have a total population of 6 million, and their evacuation could become the largest event of its kind in U.S. history. According to CNN, a large number of residents from Miami and other southern Florida locations are attempting to leave the area before Hurricane Irma arrives. Major traffic jams have formed on the roads and highways, and cars stuck in traffic for hours have run out of gas. Meanwhile, the state police directed several fuel transport trucks to gas stations to compensate for the fuel and diesel shortages. The state officials' order for mandatory evacuations includes most of the eastern and southern regions of Florida. Some residents decided to fly out of the area to avoid traffic jams. Delta Airlines has increased the number of flights from Miami airports and surrounding cities. This airline, along with American Airlines and United Airlines, has provided facilities including free flight time changes for passengers. However, all of them plan to reduce their flights from Friday afternoon due to weather conditions caused by Hurricane Irma and may stop all flights on Saturday and Sunday. Florida Governor Rick Scott warned in a press conference on Thursday evening that people must evacuate the area as soon as possible. He added that by Saturday and Sunday, when storm waves and heavy rain are expected to reach southern Florida, it would be too late to evacuate. The National Weather Service's warnings about Hurricane Irma intensified on Thursday evening, advising people to leave the area as quickly as possible. The Florida Keys area is expected to be the most affected by the storm. CNN reports that by Thursday evening, about half of the residents in this area had evacuated. All hospitals and ambulance services will be closed from Friday morning. Local officials warned that none of the emergency services, including the emergency hotline, would be operational. On Thursday, the road network in southern Florida experienced heavy traffic, which, according to responsible authorities, was four times that of normal days. Although it is still unclear exactly which areas Hurricane Irma will affect, governors of Georgia and South Carolina have also preferred to start emergency measures now. Part of this plan includes evacuating all coastal areas in these two states in Savannah and Charleston. Hurricane Irma has claimed 20 lives so far as it passed through the Caribbean islands. It is likely that, in addition to the southern coastal strip, other areas in Florida will also be evacuated. Forecasts suggest that the center of Hurricane Irma is likely to reach Miami on Sunday. Currently, fuel for vehicles has become a problem, with only half of the gas stations in Miami operational. Long lines have formed at some gas stations, and people have to wait at least an hour. According to the local Florida government statement, emergency measures for fuel supply have been implemented since Thursday evening, and in addition to ground routes, some gasoline and diesel have been transported to Miami via fuel-carrying ships. The widespread evacuation of people in Florida is primarily taking place through two main roads. According to local officials, traffic jams will occur on all roads heading north from the Florida coast. Therefore, since the mandatory evacuation order was issued on Thursday, local officials have advised people not to wait, as further delays will increase traffic jams on the roads. According to the latest weather forecasts, by Friday morning, Hurricane Irma will encompass the entire state of Florida. As a result, simply evacuating coastal areas and heading north will not be sufficient. The only way to escape the wrath of Hurricane Irma is to leave the state.