Flooding is a concern on Dauphin Island

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) - If Dauphin Island residents didn't heed the mandatory evacuation before Tuesday morning, they might not be able to leave the island for a while.

Dauphin Island Police closed the Causeway shortly after noon because high waves were washing over the roadway and leaving behind debris.

Waves were strong on the Island, too.
High water forced Bienville Boulevard to be closed west of Raphael Semmes Street.

Water was also rushing over parts of the roadway near Fort Gaines.

Some residents on the island said the biggest inconvenience they are experiencing is the power outage. Mayor Jeff Collier says they are handling the problems as they come.

"There’s a lot of issues going on. We do have a lot of people on the island. A lot of people chose not to evacuate and i think they will be fine if they stay in place. Obviously we can’t evacuate at this time anyway," said Collier.

Police said electricity was knocked off to the entire island about 9:30 Tuesday morning when a sailboat broke free from an anchor, cut a power line, and knocked off the electricity Island-wide.

Chief Wilson said, "Power won't be able to be restored until after the wind dies down, which will probably be sometime Thursday."

Flooding on the West End of Dauphin Island has also been a concern. On Tuesday, the area was under several feet of water. Police Chief Darryl Wilson says they are trying to keep residents from getting into the area and everyone on the island safe.

"Our biggest challenge right now is getting over the hurdle of passing the storm on and keeping the islanders that are there safe and the houses from not getting broke into," said Wilson.

The power outage gave residents an excuse to go out and watch the waves.
Some residents said they aren’t too worried about Hurricane Isaac.

Carol Effeller said, "We've had winter storms worse than this; but I'm sure it’s going to get bad, as its going to deteriorate through the day."

Skip Best of Dauphin Island said, late in the afternoon, he still might evacuate because of the power being out.

Because of the power outage, Dauphin Island has instituted a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.