North Carolina ports of Wilmington and Morehead City will remain closed through Wednesday, September 19, as the authorities work to determine the condition of its facilities in the Hurricane Florence aftermath.
“Initial assessments indicate there is damage at both locations to warehouse and other structures, as well as a significant number of downed empty containers to be cleared. A detailed assessment of all cranes, which appear undamaged, will be conducted,” the port authority said.
The Port of Corpus Christi has returned to normal operations, but remains in Hurricane Condition 5 – seasonal alert, which is automatically activated each year at the beginning of hurricane season.
“This developing weather situation serves as an important reminder that the 2018 hurricane season is not over, and so, we remain vigilant and continuously are monitoring potential storm systems. We encourage our partners and community members to remain alert and to stay educated on preparedness recommendations,” said Sean Strawbridge, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi.
As of September 15, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) reopened the Port of Georgetown, South Carolina, without restrictions.
Due to potential effects from Hurricane Florence throughout the Georgetown area, mariners are urged to transit with caution considering the possibility of aids to navigation discrepancies or other hazards to navigation.
The Port of Georgetown has been closed since September 13 prior to Hurricane Florence impacting South Carolina.
“The Coast Guard in South Carolina is committed to a swift recovery from the storm with search and rescue operations and safety of life as our ongoing priority,” said Capt. John Reed, Sector Charleston commander.
“Our next priority is to resume the flow of maritime commerce stability through the ports of South Carolina.”
As of Sunday afternoon Florence was moving north-northwest across western portions of North Carolina and southern Virginia, with maximum sustained winds of 35 MPH. A turn toward the north and northeast is forecast on Monday. The storm is reported to have claimed 17 lives amid extreme flooding and damages to infrastructure and cities across North Carolina.