Port of Galveston shuts down as Tropical Storm Francine approaches

The US Coast Guard has closed the Port of Galveston ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later today and make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast of Louisiana.

MAP: Tropical Storm Francine near US Gulf Coast. National Hurricane Center

According to the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) advisory, Francine was about 120 miles south-southeast of the Rio Grande River, moving north-northwest at 5 mph with sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is forecast to intensify, threatening significant disruptions to Gulf ports.

In addition to Galveston, the USCG has suspended all inbound traffic at the Port of Brownsville and smaller Texas terminals. The Port of Corpus Christi is open under “Port Condition YANKEE”, which requires vessels to either depart the port or stay in harbour.

"Port Condition YANKEE" is a maritime protocol activated when gale-force winds (34-47 knots) are expected within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Port of Houston, is under “Port Condition X-RAY”, which means gale-force winds are expected within 48 hours. Cargo operations in Houston are continuing for now, but closures could be enforced as the storm nears, potentially affecting the Houston Ship Channel today or tomorrow, a source says

Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Lake Charles are also expected to suspend operations as Francine moves closer. New Orleans could suspend port movements from Wednesday evening through Thursday.

A hurricane warning is in effect along Louisiana’s coast from Sabine Pass to Morgan City, with a hurricane watch extending east to Grand Isle. The NHC also warns of flash flooding, with heavy rainfall expected to flood the areas.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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