When Ivan came in 2004, people were stranded IN THEIR CARS on I-10 from Pensacola to Lake City because of traffic back up.
Many people had to just sit in their cars while the rains and wind buffeted them for hours.
And these were gasoline powered cars and trucks.
In 1985 we ‘evacuated’ from hurricane Elena, but never got farther than the Alabama state line, traffic was so bad. Had to spend the night on the side of the road.
In 1995 we tried to evacuate from Hurricane Opal, but the backup was so bad we just turned around and went home. Never got more than 3 miles.
When the winds reach 40 mph, the Highway Patrol shuts down the bridges in Pensacola across Escambia Bay on US98, US90 and I-10 so WEST is a no go.
Going North on US331 or East on I-10, US98 or SR20 are your only choices and they are at a standstill............
It’s been my experience if you don’t bug out at least 48 hours before landfall your screwed.....72 hours is really most desirable.