The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is ready. Our team works closely with emergency agencies to help keep you safe and informed before, during and after a storm — especially in coastal areas like Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Here’s how ALDOT prepares and what you need to know:
Before the Storm: Getting Ready
- Practice Runs – ALDOT teams recently ran a contraflow drill on I-65 from Mobile to Montgomery to make sure traffic can be safely reversed if needed during a real mandatory evacuation.
- Working Together – We coordinate with:
- Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
- County and city emergency agencies
- Law enforcement
- Media partners (TV, radio, and online)
- Evacuation Plans – ALDOT helps to maintain evacuation routes so people can get out quickly and safely if a storm is coming.
See Alabama’s evacuation routes:
Evacuating: What to Expect
- Contraflow on I-65 – If a major hurricane threatens, we may reverse southbound lanes of I-65 and redirect all lanes of I-65 to northbound only from Mobile to Montgomery to help speed up evacuations and move more vehicles out of the impending path.
- Signs and Info – ALDOT will post signs, send alerts, and work with news outlets to keep the public informed.
During the Storm: Seek Shelter
- Staying Safe – ALDOT crews will not respond during the actual time near landfall as conditions become too dangerous for crews to respond to flooding, downed trees/powerlines.
- Facility Closures-ALDOT facilities such as Welcome Centers and Rest Areas close as they are not rated as emergency shelters.
After the Storm: Cleaning Up
- Clearing Roads – ALDOT crews quickly get to work removing debris from major highways and bridges so emergency vehicles and supply trucks can move safely.
- Debris Contracts – We already have cleanup crews and monitors under contract to respond fast and keep roads clear and track costs to be reimbursed by FEMA, ensuring regular tax payer dollars are not spent on a qualified emergency weather event.
More about debris removal: ALDOT Statewide Maintenance Contracts
Safety Tips for You and Your Family
- Plan ahead – Know your evacuation route and leave early to avoid excessive traffic delays.
- Stay informed – Watch the news and follow official updates.
- Use real-time tools – Visit ALGOtraffic.com or download the ALGO Traffic app to see live road conditions.
- Make a hurricane kit – Include:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and batteries
- Phone chargers
- First aid supplies
Be Ready. Stay Safe.
ALDOT is always here to help keep Alabama moving — no matter the weather. With teamwork, planning, and the right tools, we can all get through hurricane season safely.
For updates all season long, check aldotnews.com.
