Ports batten down for Hurricane Florence

The North Carolina and South Carolina port authorities will close their marine terminals to truck and vessel traffic Thursday and Friday.    The port authorities for North Carolina and South Carolina have issued orders that their marine terminals will be closed to both truck and vessel traffic Thursday and Friday as the South Atlantic states brace for the impact of Hurricane Florence.
   Specifically, the North Carolina Ports Authority’s facilities at Wilmington and Morehead City will be closed, and the South Carolina Ports Authority will shut down its terminals at Charleston, Greer, Dillon and Georgetown. The ports’ operations could remain closed through the weekend for post-storm evaluations.
   The National Hurricane Center warned Wednesday morning that the coastal regions of North Carolina and South Carolina could face rainfalls of 20 to 40 inches, along with storm surges from the ocean, resulting in the potential for catastrophic flooding many miles inland. 
   While not anticipating a direct hit from the hurricane, Virginia and Maryland also are preparing for possible heavy rains and up to 30 mph wind gusts from the storm.
   “In the last 24 hours, the forecast for southeastern Virginia has improved significantly,” the Port of Virginia said Wednesday morning. “Heavy rain and tropical storm force winds are possible. … However, the forecast for the next 24 to 36 hours – through Thursday night, September 13 – offers manageable conditions for cargo operations.”
   However, per the Coast Guard, the Port of Virginia’s main shipping channel remains closed at the Virginia Capes and no vessels are currently entering or leaving the port.
   The Maryland Port Administration also cautioned its marine terminal tenants to make preparations for the storm, including “securing missile hazards and clearing nonessential equipment and gear from berths and piers.”