As Gulf Coast, Southeast hit by tropical storm, two states suspend hours regs

user-gravatar Headshot
The storm is expected to dump 6-to-9 inches of rain, with isolated areas with up to 12 inches, over southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and portions of the western Florida panhandle. (National Weather Service)The storm is expected to dump 6-to-9 inches of rain, with isolated areas with up to 12 inches, over southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and portions of the western Florida panhandle. (National Weather Service)

Due to the impact of a tropical storm impacting the Gulf Coast and Southeast, governors in two states have issued emergency declarations. Tropical Storm Cindy officially made landfall on Wednesday, though the storm began impacting gulf states Tuesday.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards issued emergency declarations Tuesday, June 20. The declaration of emergency suspends certain regulations for truckers responding to the emergency, including hours-of-service regulations.

The temporary suspension of regulations only applies to drivers providing “direct assistance” to restore services such as power, sewer, water and telecommunications, or bringing supplies such as feed, food and fuel to the affected areas, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration spokesperson Duane DeBruyne.

With flooding and possible tornadoes expected along the Gulf Coast, FMCSA is urging drivers to “drive with caution” along the I-10 corridor and in areas affected by the storm.

The warning is in effect from San Luis Pass, Texas, to the Alabama-Florida border, and includes Houston and Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Lafayette and Lake Charles, La.; Biloxi, Miss.; and Mobile; Ala. The storm is expected to make landfall near the Louisiana-Texas border Thursday morning, but the National Weather Service says flooding is a concern Wednesday all across the Gulf Coast.

In its latest update Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center said the storm had weakened slightly, but little change is expected before it makes landfall. The storm is expected to dump 6-to-9 inches of rain, with isolated areas with up to 12 inches, over southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and portions of the western Florida panhandle, creating possible “life-threatening flash flooding,” according to the NHC.

Showcase your workhorse
Add a photo of your rig to our Reader Rigs collection to share it with your peers and the world. Tell us the story behind the truck and your business to help build its story.
Submit Your Rig
Reader Rig Submission