A coastal flood event is possible in the Mobile, Ala. area, which may impact the US-90/98 Causeway as a result of Hurricane Francine. The projected storm surge for the region, when combined with strong south winds and occurrence of high tides, may pose significant risks for motorists, especially along low-lying portions of the Causeway. Often a high surf warning will accompany coastal flooding events.
ALDOT Monitoring:
Ahead of Hurricane Francine, ALDOT will be monitoring flood conditions along the Causeway. Crews and equipment are placed on standby and staged onsite to monitor conditions and determine safe travel conditions. Typically, as waters rise, portions of the causeway are closed to vehicular traffic. In even larger storm surge events, the entire causeway is closed due to safety concerns for both drivers and workers. This may include also closing the Bankhead Tunnel to ensure that it is not flooded from storm surges and waves. These procedures are subject to change based on varying weather conditions as each tropical system is different in wind speed, direction, timing and force and thus the response effort needed must change with those conditions.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
- Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Due to potential coastal flooding caused by high surf and storm surge conditions, motorists are advised to avoid low-lying areas around or near the coast and bay areas
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates from authorities and road impacts/closures using the ALGO app or www.algotraffic.com.
- Plan Alternative Routes: Identify alternative routes in advance to avoid affected areas.
- Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads: Turn around, don’t drown. Avoid driving through floodwaters as they can be deeper or faster flowing than they appear. You may also not see that the road is damaged or has been compromised. It’s not worth the risk!
For your safety and the safety of others, please heed all weather alerts and exercise caution when traveling through flood-prone areas. Stay tuned to official updates from ALDOT and local authorities.
