Hurricane Helene is gaining strength as forecasted, with its landfall projected to occur on the Big Bend coast of Florida on Thursday night. Traffic, meanwhile, is already being impacted ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
During significant hurricanes, road conditions can be affected by various factors, including flooding, crashes, road damage, and precautionary closures, as well as an influx of people on the roads.
To aid in preparation, individuals can watch live video feeds available from various webcams located in Florida, including in areas such as Panama City and Port St. Joe.
To stay updated on road conditions during Hurricane Helene, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) manages a resource known as FL511, which aggregates live video feeds from cameras situated along Florida’s roads and highways. However, it should be noted that some of these feeds may be inoperable at times.
The FL511 map overlays current information on top of the Google Maps display of Florida. Users can enter their starting point and destination in the provided info box on the left side or right-click on a map location to create an itinerary. To view live video along a specific route, users should ensure the “Traffic Cameras” box is checked and then click on the camera icons to access the live footage.
The FDOT recommends that motorists periodically check the FL511 system for updates and potential alternative routes, as road closures are likely on Thursday night and Friday morning due to the hurricane. It is advised to regularly consult FDOT’s map to confirm that planned routes remain accessible.
For further updates and alternative sources of information, individuals can refer to FDOT and other official channels.