Florida ports halt vessel traffic amid Hurricane Helene

Ports across Florida have suspended vessel operations as Hurricane Helene continues to batter the Southeast after making landfall on Thursday evening, 26 September.

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, the strongest ever recorded in Florida’s Big Bend, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Although the hurricane has since weakened to Category 1, it has left widespread damage in its wake, with torrential rains and powerful winds impacting homes and infrastructure.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has set Port Condition Zulu (vessel movements prohibited) for multiple ports, including Tampa Bay, Canaveral, and Palm Beach, halting all inbound and outbound vessel movements. Landside operations at the Port of Tampa Bay will continue for as long as conditions allow, the port said. Port condition Zulu has also been set at the Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT), however, based on the latest update, JAXPORT’s terminal gates will remain open throughout the event.

“Because JAXPORT terminal operators establish their own operating hours at their gated facilities, drivers seeking to pick up or drop off a load are encouraged to check with their terminal operator for their specific hours of operation,” JAXPORT said.

The USCG has extended the Zulu status to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Panama City, and Port St. Joe.

Miami-Dade, while not in the direct path of the storm, is under a Tropical Storm Warning. PortMiami and Port Everglades are continuing operations. Port Everglades said that petroleum ship arrivals and landside fuel truck deliveries are operating as normal. Vessel movements at Port Palm Beach have been suspended due to the storm’s effects.

Ports and the public are advised to monitor updates from the USCG and local emergency management authorities as the storm progresses.

“Helene continues to move inland over central Georgia and is producing hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall. This is an dangerous and life-threatening situation. Persons should not leave their shelters and remain in place, staying away from windows and have multiple ways to receive warnings and updates,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

CNN reports that ix states have declared states of emergency in response to Helene’s destructive impact including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. Despite the weakening of the storm, over 60 million people across 12 states remain under storm watches and warnings. Helene continues to pose a threat as it moves inland, bringing the risk of severe flooding, high winds, and tornadoes.

Ports and residents are urged to stay updated through local authorities and the USCG as the storm progresses through the region.