Port of New Orleans is bracing for Hurricane Nate which will hit the U.S Gulf Coast Saturday evening.
New Orleans is bracing for Hurricane Nate which is a category 1 storm. Cruise ships based in the port have already been impacted by itinerary adjustments. Even though the Hurricane is a lower category it can cause devastating damage with flooding, high ocean swells, high winds, and rainfall. All those elements should not be taken lightly.
The New Orleans port is still open at this time with terminal operations as normal but the mouth of the Mississippi River is closed to all shipping which will also affect cruise ships. Carnival Triumph and Carnival Dream are already sailing altered itineraries and they may be delayed longer until the Mississippi River reopens.
Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO, said:
“We remain in frequent contact with all members of the maritime community. As always, safety is our top priority for our employees and the entire port community.”
Also Read: Port of New Orleans Cruise Tips
Port officials are monitoring Hurricane Nate as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast and all authorities are in place ready to react. As of this moment, Hurricane Nate is located around 180 miles south of the Mississippi River mouth and is expected to become category 2 shortly. Nate has maximum sustained winds of 90 MPH and will make landfall
along the central U.S. Gulf Coast tonight.