HANNA UPDATE: Threat to close Charleston port Thursday
Ports spokesman Byron Miller said Wednesday that land traffic in and out of the Port of Charleston will be restricted to trucks coming in to pick up containers on Thursday. No truck traffic will be allowed after noon. (AP photo)
The Associated Press
9/3/2008
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The threat of high winds and rough seas from Tropical Storm Hanna has prompted the State Ports Authority to restrict port operations.
Ports spokesman Byron Miller said Wednesday that land traffic in and out of the Port of Charleston will be restricted to trucks coming in to pick up containers on Thursday. No truck traffic will be allowed after noon.
The U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday that commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons should leave the port as soon as possible. Ships heading to Charleston that cannot leave port within 24 hours are being told to find an alternate destination.
Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Michael Hulme says recreational boaters or swimmers should not be in the waters off South Carolina because of high seas and dangerous rip currents.