HATTIESBURG — As Hurricane Francine impacts the southern portion of the state today, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) advises motorists in south Mississippi to avoid travel during the storm and use extreme caution if travel is necessary. MDOT’s crews are prepared and stand ready to respond as soon as it is safe for them to do so.

Francine’s landfall is expected to bring flash flooding, high winds, storm surge, debris and the threat of tornados, all of which will create hazardous driving conditions. MDOT strongly advises motorists to AVOID travel during a tropical storm or hurricane.

If travel is necessary, MDOT offers the following tips:

• Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall. Remember the phrase: “Turn around. Don’t drown.”
• Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
• If you are in your vehicle during a tornado, seek sturdy shelter or the lowest part of the ground such as a ditch. Never seek shelter under highway overpasses.
• Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.

Yesterday, in anticipation of the storm, MDOT crews in the central and southern portion of the state prepared by sharpening chainsaws, loading and staging equipment, gassing up vehicles and clearing storm drains where possible.

On the Gulf Coast, drawbridge gate arms were removed on State Route 605, State Route 609 and I-110. The drawbridges closed to marine traffic yesterday at 6 p.m. They will not be raised again until after the storm passes. Today, sand accumulation and flooding are expected to occur on U.S. 90 in Harrison County. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

MDOT’s emergency operation centers have been activated in the southern portion of the state, and a large number of MDOT workers are positioned to respond and clear roadways impacted as soon as it is safe to do so. Motorists are reminded to be on high alert for roadside workers.