The National Hurricane Center expects a storm surge along the coastlines of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Freshwater flooding is also expected to take place due to the expected heavy rainfall, this may extend for hundreds of miles. Damaging hurricane force winds are likely along portions of the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Damaging winds could also apread well inland into portions of the Carolinas and Virginia.
Norfolk:
• The Coast Guard will close the main shipping channel, effective at 0600 hours on Wednesday morning, September 12
• Sustained gale force winds are predicted to arrive at the Virginia Capes within 12 hours
In support of US Coast Guard actions, The Port of Virginia will observe the following operational posture:
• On Tuesday, September 11, all truck gates will close according to posted hours (business as usual at all Port of Virginia terminals)
• Wednesday, September 12 – Closed
◦ All port administrative offices, including the World Trade Center – CLOSED
◦ ILA Partners and Management continue to work to secure all facilities
• Thursday, September 13 – Closed
◦ All port administrative offices, including the World Trade Center – CLOSED
◦ By midday on Wednesday, September 12, determination regarding the port’s operating and administrative status for Friday, September 14
NC Ports
NC State Ports Authority continues its Hurricane Preparation Plan and is taking all necessary steps to protect cargo, facilities and equipment.
Tuesday September 11:
• Wilmington will continue to operate under extended container gate hours.
• The Port of Wilmington’s container gate will be open until 7:00 pm for pickup and drop-off. Please make every effort to utilize these additional hours to remove cargo from the Port.
• The Port of Wilmington’s General Cargo gate and the Port of Morehead City’s gate continue to operate under normal hours.
Wednesday, September 12:
• The Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City will be CLOSED to commercial truck traffic, however, tenants will have access to both Ports.
• After 6:00 pm Tuesday, access will only be granted through Wilmington’s South Gate (Container Gate).
Thursday, September 13 through Saturday, September 15.
• No access of any kind will be permitted at either Port facility as of 12:00 am Thursday, September 13 through Saturday, September 15.
Once Hurricane Florence passes, and the Port facilities can be evaluated, they will communicate plans concerning re-opening.
Savannah
Port will continue to be open and they do not expect to move to increased levels of closure
Baltimore
The vessel channel will close, but the gates still remain open.
Charleston
Next update expected 9/12
Rail Service
CSX Transportation (CSXT)
CSX is enacting comprehensive storm preparations as Hurricane Florence approaches the U.S. mainland. CSXT’s primary focus is the safety of our employees and precautions are being taken to protect rail traffic and assets in advance of this storm. Post-storm recovery planning, including holding trains at intermediate points across the network, is actively underway for rapid restoration of service and infrastructure once the weather moderates and conditions begin to improve.
Portsmouth, VA
• The last train to arrive Portsmouth with freight destined to Portsmouth local and all Portsmouth ports will be Tuesday, September 11.
• Last outbound train from Portsmouth, VA; Portsmouth NIT; and Portsmouth PMT will depart Tuesday, September 11.
• CSXT will close all gates for traffic destined to Portsmouth local and all Portsmouth ports effective 1200 Tuesday, September 11.
• Starting Tuesday, September 11 at 1200, CSXT will no longer accept empty containers bound for Portsmouth and Virginia Port Authority; customers are encouraged to bill empties to other available port destinations.
• The CSXT-served Portsmouth, VA terminal will close Tuesday, September 11, at 1700 and remain closed through the storm.
Charleston, SC
• The CSXT-served Charleston, SC terminal will close Wednesday, September 12, at 1700 and remain closed through the storm.
• Final train arrivals and departures to/from Charleston will be aligned to the terminal closure and subject to change as more information becomes available.
At this time, all other CSX Intermodal Terminals are maintaining normal gate hours, subject to change as more information becomes available. Customers should expect an interruption in train service for traffic in the mid-Atlantic / I-95 corridor as the storm approaches and continuing as the storm moves through the region.
We will continue our coverage of the situation and impact to our operations via these updates as the storm develops. You will be informed directly by your local SeaLand representative if there is any impact to your shipments.
