Ida starting to batter Dauphin Island

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. - Rain and wind continue to saturate Dauphin Island. The road leading to the west end is covered with water.

Seagulls hunker down for the approaching storm, but Dauphin Island resident Dale Snellman walks the beach.

Snellman said the wet weather isn't chasing him indoors.

"Last night about twelve o'clock high tides was at two and water was coming across Bienville Boulevard. Now worsening a little bit," said Snellman.

Snellman has lived on the island for two years, and said if he felt threatened, he would leave.

"I left for Hurricane Katrina, but this is just a rain storm," added Snellman.

A father and son from Boston, Massachusetts made the trek to the island. The novice storm chasers came to see Ida come ashore first-hand.

"It is incredible that this storm is still hours and hours away and the streets are already flooded," said Don Miele.

"We get nor-easterner's, but nothing like this," added Ben Miele.

Water made rivers out of roads, and the few cars that were out navigated the streams.

Down on the east end of the island, near Fort Gaines, folks are parked watching the waves come crashing to shore.

A few even get out to walk a nearby pier, or stop to take pictures.

As for Snellman he plans to cook chicken and throw himself a "Hurricane Party."