Crews on Dauphin Island started pumping out floodwater and clearing debris Monday morning after Tropical Storm Cristobal sent water and sand washing over roads in south Mobile County.
Police closed off the island’s West End on Sunday as storm water and debris began washing across the roadway. By Monday morning, pumps were in place and cleanup was underway.
Water and Sand Across the Roads
Water covered stretches of the road leading to the West End Beach from St. Andrews Street, forcing drivers to turn back.
“I had to turn around, I’m in my car so I ain’t taking no chances,” said Fenis Perryman, who tried to drive the west end route. “I made it about as far as St. Stephens road, had to turn around.”
The damage wasn’t just standing water. Building official Corey Moore said some spots had roughly five feet of sand spread across the road.
Getting onto the island was its own challenge Monday. The Alabama Department of Transportation set up a roadblock at Dauphin Island Parkway and Highway 188, about eight miles from the island, and around 7 a.m. vehicles were being allowed across only with an escort.