by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Update: 30.09.2024
Port Tampa Bay has officially reopened its shipping channels and resumed vessel operations, albeit with restrictions.
According to a port statement, vessel movements are currently limited to daylight hours. The U.S. Coast Guard has restored the port to normal, but some restrictions remain.
Commercial vessel traffic is being queued for a return to full operations, with fuel tankers, cruise ships, and vessels carrying perishable cargo among the first to return.
Throughout the storm, landside operations remained open to ensure the continuous delivery of fuel to residents and visitors.
Similarly, at the Port of Savannah, truck gates and vessel operations have returned to normal at all terminals as of Friday, 27 September.
South Carolina Ports Authority reports that inland Port Greer in South Carolina has resumed normal operations for the receiving and delivery of all loaded and empty containers.
Ports across the southeastern United States are working diligently to restore full operations and ensure the smooth flow of goods following Hurricane Helene's disruptions.
Update: 27.09.2024
The ports of Tampa and Miami have suspended operations since Hurricane Helene hit the US East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico yesterday.
While landside operations will continue as long as safely possible, Tampa Port ceased all inbound and outbound vessel traffic on the evening of 25 September.
In the meantime, South Carolina Ports announced that all operations are running normally with no planned closures or delays.
However, the authority closed the empty yard at the Inland Port Greer yesterday evening until 0800 on 27 September.
Operations at the Port of Savannah will run normally, but due to winds, the port will suspend receiving empty containers until 10:00 local time on 27 September.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) forecasts that very heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges will continue for the next 48 hours.
Original article: 24.09.2024
Reuters reports that Hurricane John has landed as a major category 3 hurricane on Mexico's Pacific coast.
The region between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido faced severe rainfall and 150 km/h winds.
The US National Hurricane Centre reports that the storm landed in the state of Guerrero. The local government has warned residents to protect themselves against the potentially deadly consequences of the extreme event.
According to the National Water Commission, "extraordinary rainfall" is expected over Guerrero and Oaxaca, with several disturbed in the southern state of Chiapas.
Hurricane John is expected to follow its path on Tuesday, 24 September, and Wednesday, 25 September 2024.
The US National Hurricane Centre further forecasts another hurricane in the Western Caribbean. Hurricane Helene will impact Florida’s Panhandle or western coast by Thursday.
Local news reports that Helene is forecast to strengthen into a category 3 hurricane or higher.
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties along and near the state's Gulf Coast due to the threat, according to The Express Tribune.
Forecasters warn of potential storm surges, flooding, and power outages.
