Weakened Ernesto still impacts shipping, East Coast ports prepare

Weakened Ernesto still impacts shipping, East Coast ports prepare Although Tropical Storm Ernesto has turned out much weaker than forecasters feared as of early today, ports and shipping companies still had to take precautions that are impacting shipping services in Florida and the Caribbean.
   The ports of Miami, Miami River, Port Everglades and Palm Beach remained closed by the U.S. Coast Guard this morning pending assessment of safety conditions. Those ports could open later today.
   The Port of Jacksonville was scheduled to be closed to vessel traffic by the Coast Guard Wednesday at 6 p.m. as a precaution against approaching dangerous weather.
   On Florida's Gulf Coast, however, the ports were expected to remain open under a basic weather watch for vessels.
      Port Everglades remained open for fuel truck traffic throughout the storm. The port is a key supply point for fuel throughout South Florida.
   Shipping lines in South Florida that closed Tuesday said they expect to have their offices open today.
   Ports along the East Coast are preparing as Tropical Storm Ernesto passes over Florida and heads up the coast to Georgia and the Carolinas.
   The Port of Charleston in South Carolina will close its gates today at noon and halt all vessel operations by midnight. The port plans to be closed all day Thursday while the storm passes through and reopen on Friday.