Dauphin Island sees tropic effects

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) - Rain bands along the edge of Tropical Storm Debby flirted with Dauphin Island on Sunday.

Wind gusts of about 30 mph may have made for some whipping sand, but it didn't stop some from enjoying an otherwise sunny day at the beach.

The National Weather Service adjusted the storm's path to make a more direct impact near the Florida and Alabama coasts Sunday.

Dauphin Island officials started their Sunday morning with some problem solving measures.

First, people on the west end beaches woke to flooded streets.

Mayor Jeff Collier said they had to call in tow trucks to rescue some vehicles.

"The water's on the road at least 12 to 18 inches in places and it's rising," said Mayor Collier.

A public safety official worked a check point by late afternoon on Bienville Boulevard at Raphael Semmes Street. He only allowed home owners and renters down the west end of the island because of flooding.

Four swimmers with floatation devices had to be rescued from rip currents in the water. Police Chief Darryl Wilson said the main thing that they are worried about is people's safety.

"You've got people out here trying to surf in these conditions and it's not favorable," said Police Chief Darryl Wilson.

By early afternoon, Wilson was telling people to get out of the water.

"I can see why their closing it down because it is very dangerous and it's probably a good thing we got out," said James Newbill.

Newbill, from Mobile, and his kids were in the water before police kicked everyone out.

Despite strong surf and gusty winds some people were undeterred from enjoying their summer vacation.

"Because it's sunny right now people are like, 'It's pretty right now, let's go to the beach,'" said Collier.

There were people fishing on the eastside of the island. Families relaxed along the shore, and stragglers mingled along west end beaches.

Collier said, right now, they have to wait and see what Debby will do next — that will dictate what safety measures they'll take.

"Unfortunately, this is something that we've dealt with a lot. This is almost routine," said Mayor Collier.