Houston Ship Channel shut due to Tropical Storm Alberto

All inbound and outbound vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel has been suspended since 00:05 GMT today due to Tropical Storm Alberto in the Gulf of Mexico.

PHOTO: An LPG tanker sailing west along the Houston Ship Channel on the way to Galveston Bay. Getty Images

The storm has brought heavy rain and high winds to areas along the US Gulf Coast.

Bunker barges are currently able to navigate in the northern part of the channel but are unable to head south. This disruption is expected to delay deliveries at Bolivar Roads, Freeport, Beaumont, and Lake Charles over the next few days, a source says.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects Tropical Storm Alberto to reach the northeastern coast of Mexico on Thursday.

The Corpus Christi area is also experiencing severe weather and is expected to experience the heaviest rainfall in the region as the tropical storm is forecast to upgrade to Tropical Cyclone Category 1, causing delays for barges trying to reach Point Comfort.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online