The following information was sent out as industry updates:
July 9, 2024
Port Houston to Open, CSB Experiences Connectivity Issues
Port Houston to Open
Following Hurricane Beryl, Port Houston, along with several other ports in the area had to close during the storm that made landfall Monday morning and afterward to assess the damage. While other ports were able to open today, Port Houston remained closed announcing this afternoon that it will resume operations at the normal start time tomorrow.
Additionally, the port will be extending the gate hours for their container terminals as follows:
- Wednesday, July 10, 2024: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Ingate closes at 7:00 PM)
- Thursday, July 11, 2024: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Ingate closes at 7:00 PM)
- Friday, July 12, 2024: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Ingate closes at 6:00 PM)
- Saturday, July 13, 2024: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Ingate closes at 4:00 PM)
Colombia Solidarity Bridge
An announcement was also made this afternoon to inform customers of system connectivity issues at Colombia Solidarity Bridge, disrupting services across Texas. The areas most affected include Laredo, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and Corpus Christi. It is unclear if these issues are related to the storm.
Conditional releases have been authorized meaning that freight will be permitted to leave CBP custody temporarily but remains subject to recall, if necessary. No estimated time of repair has yet been provided.
July 8, 2024
Port Houston Closed as Hurricane Beryl Made Landfall in Texas This Morning
All Port Houston facilities are closed today as Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas this morning on the Matagorda Peninsula, about 85 miles southwest of Houston. After making landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula Friday morning, it weakened into a tropical storm but has now strengthened back into a Category 1 hurricane with winds reaching more than 80 mph.
The situation remains urgent as torrential rain continues to cause flash flooding across parts of Houston, with some areas experiencing 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour. The Hurricane Center has warned of storm surges up to 7 feet. Thousands of coastal residents were urged to evacuate yesterday, and a state of emergency has been declared in 121 counties by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
The impact of the storm is widespread, with downed trees, power outages, and water rescues being reported across the area. The storm has also led to vessel traffic restrictions in multiple ports, including Corpus Christi, Galveston, Freeport, and Texas City, in addition to Houston.
The storm is expected to weaken as it moves north across the Mississippi Valley and onto the Ohio Valley, dissipating on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the meantime, tornado warnings have been issued in multiple counties, from far east Texas to Louisiana and southwest Arkansas.
Our team is continuously monitoring Hurricane Beryl’s path and effects, working with our customers and partners to identify potential supply chain vulnerabilities. As needed, we are rerouting shipments to avoid these areas and seeking alternative solutions to mitigate disruptions.
July 3, 2024
Hurricane Beryl is Making Headlines this Holiday Weekend
The 2024 hurricane season opened with the first hurricane, Tropical Storm Alberto, hitting less than two weeks ago. It made landfall near the Mexican port of Tampico, causing heavy rains and flooding along the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Beryl is now making its way across Jamaica and toward Northern Mexico.
The eye of the hurricane is passing just south of Jamaica, bringing the worst impact Jamaica has seen from a hurricane in 15 years. With a La Nina weather pattern and warmer ocean temperatures, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. Learn more here.
Hurricane Beryl is expected to also bring tropical storm conditions to the Cayman Islands before heading toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula or northern Belize this weekend. The path is continually being monitored and is unpredictable but will likely continue its threat in the western Gulf Coast, from Texas to Mexico, through early next week.
While Hurricane Beryl may not directly impact our network, it could lead to high winds and flooding in western Mexico and the Brownsville/McAllen area.
As always, our team is committed to monitoring the weather and potential supply chain disruptions. If needed, we will work diligently to identify alternative routes and mitigate the risks.
For all your expedite needs, please reach out to our 24/7 Time-Pivotal Expedite Business unit at expedite@protrans.com.
