by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The US National Weather Service has issued a warning for a significant to major winter storm expected to impact the southern region of the country.

Accumulating snow and very cold temperatures are anticipated to have a major impact on Gulf of Mexico ports. The severe weather is expected to begin as early as Tuesday, 21 January.

For the Port of Mobile, the Alabama Port Authority announced it would close all offices and facilities at 07:00 on Tuesday. If conditions improve, port operations are expected to resume on Thursday, 23 January.

The Port of New Orleans anticipates freezing weather and potential snow. Water flow to terminals was shut down starting Sunday, 19 January, and is expected to resume on Wednesday afternoon.

Both Ports America and New Orleans Terminal will be closed on Tuesday, 21 January, and trucking companies are advised to monitor weather conditions for updates.

Port Houston will also close all facilities on Tuesday due to the expected wintry weather.

Container terminal truck gates closed at 16:00 on Monday, and vessel operations will be suspended until weather conditions improve.

For the latest port status or situation update, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.