ALDOT advises against traveling

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - While the Causeway was open for traffic, businesses along the waterside road were closed ahead of Hurricane Isaac.

Tuesday morning rain pummeled the area, but that didn't stop commuters from crossing the bay.

"Due to Topical storm Isaac, Felix's will be closed Monday, August 28th through Wednesday August 29th.” said a recorded message for Felix’s Fish Camp.

Drivers sped past the deserted restaurant.

The wind and rain looked ominous for some time, even before the storm arrived. Down the road, a flooded eastbound Interstate 10 ramp forced drivers into Spanish Fort.

PHOTOS: The effects of Hurricane Isaac

“Right now, waters come up over the barrier walls and we're blocking lanes off... Just keep people out of it for right now,” said Lee Reach, Maintenance Division Engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Reach said flood waters remain its biggest challenge but that ALDOT was ready to ride out the storm.

“All of our staff is on standby and most of them are planning on spending the night here, so that we can man barricades,” he said.

Reach said barricades were also set up along Dauphin Island roadways and other areas where flooding causes problems. He said ALDOT is monitoring flood prone roads, like Highway 43 in Chickasaw, and Dauphin Island Parkway.

RELATED: Mobile County road closures

Reach wanted drivers to know that U.S. 45 and 98 typically do not flood but, if possible, he said people should generally avoid the roads.

“If you're going to be out, be safe. If you don't have to be out, stay at home. Let the emergency crews do their jobs,” said Reach.