East Coast ports monitoring path of Hurricane Florence

American Logistics Aid Network launches web page providing updates on transportation and supply chain conditions in impacted areas.    U.S. East Coast ports from South Carolina to Maryland were carrying on normal terminal operations Tuesday morning, although they are closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Florence. 
   According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm, which is packing winds of 130 mph, is expected to pass between Bermuda and the Bahamas on Wednesday and approach the coast of North Carolina or South Carolina on Thursday. 
   The South Carolina Ports Authority said Tuesday it’s closely watching the storm but is currently observing normal operating hours at its marine terminals in Charleston, Georgetown, Greer and Dillon. Similarly, the North Carolina Ports Authority marine terminals at Wilmington and Morehead City continue to operate at regular schedules but are monitoring the hurricane’s approach.
   The National Hurricane Center is warning communities along the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina and as far north as Virginia of possible storm surges, or rising water levels from the coast to inland, during the next 48 hours.
   Meanwhile, the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), a philanthropic industry organization that provides free logistics assistance to disaster relief organizations, is mobilizing freight transportation and logistics companies in preparation to offer post-storm assistance to the region. 
   With multiple storms in the Atlantic, ALAN launched a hurricane web page that will allow organizations to monitor each storm’s path, view recent alerts and get updates on transportation and supply chain conditions in impacted areas.   
   “This site serves as the centerpiece of our efforts to keep people informed about key safety and supply chain developments in the days ahead,” said Kathy Fulton, ALAN’s executive director, in a statement. “It’s also where ALAN will relay requests for hurricane-related logistics assistance.”
   Fulton said the bulk of ALAN’s work often comes several days or weeks after a storm hits since that’s when government and relief organizations assess damage and determine which goods and services are needed.  
   “While we certainly hope that none of these storms will be as destructive as predicted, we’re glad to be part of an industry that can provide so many meaningful solutions — and grateful to the many companies that are already making it possible for us to help,” she said. 
   Since its founding in 2005, ALAN has coordinated supply chain services to assist with the aftermath of natural disasters across the country, including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and floods.