Port restrictions continue as Tropical Storm Eta lashes southern Florida (with forecast video)

(Photo: NOAA)

Tropical Storm Eta made a direct hit in the Florida Keys overnight, becoming the 12th named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. this season. The storm continues to flood parts of the Florida Peninsula.

As of 8 a.m. EST Monday, Eta was centered about 80 miles northwest of Key West, moving slowly to the southwest. It’s a large storm, with tropical storm force winds extending 300 miles away from the center. Some weather stations in southeastern Florida were still reporting tropical storm force winds as of Monday morning.

Flash flooding in the streets of the Miami metropolitan area will remain an issue Monday for drivers. Roadblocks are possible, leading to delays in surface transportation. River flooding could impact roads in other parts of southern Florida.

Delays in containerized cargo are likely too. Ship-to-shore operations and vessel movement remain suspended at the Florida ports of Key West, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee and Fort Myers, according to the Coast Guard.

Eta is forecast to pick up steam, becoming a hurricane sometime Monday or Tuesday before turning northward in a few days. Eta could then make landfall again later in the week near Cedar Key, Florida. Most coastal areas of the Florida Peninsula are under a tropical storm warning from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

https://vimeo.com/477132611

Not only have a record number of named storms hit the continental U.S. this season, but Eta is the first named storm to make a November landfall in Florida since Mitch in 1998.

Look for updates on Eta throughout the week on the FreightWaves website and social media accounts.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Nick Austin.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now