Storm Austen has disrupted maritime and transport operations across north-western France and parts of the UK, with strong winds forcing terminal closures on the Normandy coast and keeping cross-Channel ferries in port.
In France, Normandy Terminals/TNMSC at Le Havre Port will remain closed throughout Friday, 23 October, with no handling operations taking place.
Forecasts indicate wind gusts could exceed 100 km/h between 07:00 and 23:00. Subject to weather conditions and the storm’s impact, the terminal is expected to reopen on Saturday between 06:30 and 12:00.
Terminal de France/GMP has also closed after carrying out limited operations. No vessel operations are planned between 06:00 and 22:00 on Friday.
A reopening later in the day remains possible if conditions improve, while operations on Saturday morning are under consideration but have not been confirmed.
Road access in the area is also affected by weather-related restrictions and potential closures, with reopening dependent on conditions. Please check our advisory covering more information about the situation in France.
Storm Austen has also brought powerful winds and heavy rain to a large part of the UK.
Yellow weather warnings remain in force, with South West England forecast to experience the most severe conditions.
Warnings also cover most of England and Wales, while parts of Scotland are subject to a separate rain warning.
Weather-related disruption is also expected at APM Terminals Rotterdam, where operations are set to be temporarily suspended over the weekend due to forecast high winds.
Waterside operations are expected to stop from 20:00 on Friday, 23 October, until 09:00 on Saturday, 24 October, and again from 18:00 on Saturday until 23:00 on Sunday, 25 October.
The terminal is expected to operate between 09:00 and 18:00 on Saturday, although handling delays are anticipated.
Landside operations may remain available for longer, with temporary suspensions currently expected from 22:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday, and from 21:00 on Saturday until 04:00 on Sunday.
Exact closure and reopening times will depend on actual weather conditions, and customers are advised to factor possible disruption and delays into their planning.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
