Hurricane Michael Evacuees Head North To Birmingham Metro

BIRMINGHAM, AL - As Hurricane Michael builds strength and heads toward the Florida Panhandle, residents of those areas expected to get slammed by the storm are evacuating, and many are headed to central and north Alabama. Reports of heavy traffic on I-65 North have been released already, and hotels are starting to fill up in the Birmingham metro area.

Related Story: Hurricane Michael Heads To Panhandle As Category 3 Storm

A report Tuesday morning by ABC 33/40 said traffic was "bumper to bumper" on I-65 North at the Chilton County/Shelby County line.

Patch is tracking every move of Hurricane Michael. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

As well, at least one Birmingham area hotel has welcomed an entire population of assisted living residents from Florida. The Doubletree Hilton on US 280 will house residents of a Florida assisted living facility and are looking for help from locals.

They're seeking schools, churches, and musicians to perform for the displaced residents throughout the week, as well as people who love to play board games with or socialize with seniors. They're also asking for donations of bottled water, Gatorade, toiletry items, wipes, snacks, board games and puzzles. Contact for scheduling performers and donations is Sarah Curatella, Vice President of Quality Services, 256-648-6577.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency for Alabama, as the storm is expected to hit the southern portion of the state.

Image via National Hurricane Center