Storm Surge/Tide — Lower Mobile, Alabama

2008-09-01 · Lower Mobile, Alabama

Event narrative

Gustav moved south and west of the Alabama Coastal waters and brought high tide levels to the area. The berm on the western end of Dauphin Island was completely washed away. The road leading to Dauphin Island was closed due to high water. The causeway, parts of downtown Mobile, Bayou La Batre and areas along the Dog river were also closed due to high water. Bayou La Batre had a storm tide height of 6.2 feet with a surge of 5.5 feet. Dauphin Island had a storm tide height of 4.2 feet with a surge of 3.5 feet. Middle Bay Lighthouse had a storm tide of 4.6 feet with a surge of 3.9 feet. Mobile State Docks had a storm tide height of 4.9 feet with a surge of 4.2 feet. Coast Guard Sector at Mobile had a storm tide height of 6.7 feet with a surge of 6.00 feet. With the berm being washed away, the damage estimate for Mobile county caused by the surge was close to $4M. No deaths were reported.

Wider weather episode

Gustav moved south and west of the Alabama coastal waters bringing high surge values.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 134494. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.