Hurricane Dorian Update
By Katie FillingMonday, September 2, 2019 | fox28media.com
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — Preparations are in high gear at the Georgia Ports Authority in Savannah.
At a news conference Tuesday morning, port officials said that all ships have gone out and no more ships will be arriving at the port until after Hurricane Dorian has passed.
Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director, Griffith Lynch, said that the port is operating normally on Monday, with crews working to tie down all cranes and secure cargo as well as empty containers.
“We are now in the process of tying down all of our cranes. We go through hurricane tie-downs, which helps prevent any damage to them, and also our 156 rubber tire gantry cranes as well. So teams out there are working now, we’ll be completed with that by midnight,” said Lynch.
The port will officially go into critical workforce mode at 6 p.m. Monday night. That means only port police will be at the terminal.
Kevin Doyle, Chief of Port Police, explained that they are scheduled to work long shifts during the storm to make sure the terminal and assets are secure and safe.
“To make sure the facility is secure and safe make, sure the assets are secure and safe. They’re working 12-hour shifts, many of them spend the night here. They’re not required to but most do,” said Doyle.
He says there is a shelter on site designed to withstand a category 3 hurricane for employees and police who are working through the storm.
They say they hope to reopen the port on Friday.
“If the track were to stay the same as it’s on right now, it puts it off about 70 miles off of Brunswick about 100 miles of the port here. I think the damage would be minimal,” said Lynch.
Governor Brian Kemp stopped by the port of Savannah on Monday to check on hurricane preparations. At the news conference, he reminded people this storm is dangerous.
“We’re certainly concerned about potential impacts of Hurricane Dorian on this vital asset,” said Kemp. “It is not worth risking your life. Your possessions can be replaced, your life and your family cannot.”
Hurricane Dorian – Georgia Advisory
September 2, 2019 | gaports.com
The Georgia Ports Authority continues to monitor Hurricane Dorian very closely.
At this time, the Authority will shut down operations in both the Brunswick and Savannah locations on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday, Sept. 4.
GPA employees please monitor gaports.com, email, and text for times to report back to work. If you have any questions, please contact your manager.
Port users should be prepared for possible impacts in our area such as heavy rains, flooding and strong winds. You are encouraged to track the storm and follow directions from local Emergency Management.
All terminals will be open and operating under normal hours tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3.
Due to Hurricane Dorian, the SC Ports Authority’s marine terminals in Charleston and Georgetown will be closed Wednesday, September 4 and Thursday, September 5.
Hurricane Dorian – South Carolina Advisory
September 2, 2019 | scspa.com
All terminals in Charleston and Georgetown will reopen Friday, September 6 at 0900. The Wando Welch Terminal (WWT) and the North Charleston Terminal (NCT) will operate normally on Saturday, September 7. WWT and NCT will also be open Sunday, September 8 0600-1700.
The SC Ports Authority’s inland ports will be open and operating under normal hours throughout the week.
Full details are below.
CHARLESTON CONTAINER TERMINALS (WWT and NCT):
Tuesday, September 3:
Normal operating hours, 0500-1730.
Wednesday, September 4:
Closed.
Thursday, September 5:
Closed.
Friday, September 6:
Reopening at 0900 and operating until 1730.
Saturday, September 7:
Normal operating hours, 0600-1700.
Sunday, September 8:
Open, 0600-1700.
CHARLESTON and GEORGETOWN BREAKBULK & RO/RO:
Tuesday, September 3:
Open and operating under normal hours.
Wednesday, September 4:
Closed.
Thursday, September 5:
Closed.
Friday, September 6:
Reopening at 0900 and operating until 1700.
INLAND PORT GREER:
Open and operating under normal hours.
INLAND PORT DILLON:
Open and operating under normal hours.
The SC Ports Authority is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian and will provide operational updates as necessary.
