Hotels along highway I-75 are booking up with Florida residents who are fleeing their homes because of Hurricane Irma, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Based on the wind speeds, Irma is currently categorized as the strongest storm in the Atlantic on record. The hurricane's speeds have ranged from 185 miles per hour to 225 miles per hour. Irma is expected to make landfall on Sunday in the US, and is already making its way through the Caribbean islands.
Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for Florida, and many residents - especially in South Florida - are evacuating. South Carolina has also issued a state of emergency, and the coastal regions of Georgia are bracing for the hurricane.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway announced Wednesday they would open up their grounds for evacuees to camp there, beginning Thursday. The Speedway is about 20 miles below Atlanta and off of I-75. Campers can use the tent and RV facilities, including the showers and bathroom areas for free.