Multiple Ports Shut Down, Approximately 2,000 Flights Canceled

Ports from Houston to New Orleans and Mobile have been significantly impacted by unprecedented snowstorms and record-breaking low temperatures. With limited snow removal equipment, these ports are currently experiencing snow accumulation ranging from 1 to 6 inches.

Weather reports indicate that the unusual weather pattern moving along the U.S. Gulf Coast could affect up to 40 million people. Authorities across Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas have urged residents to stay indoors for safety.

Reports also suggest that as many as 2,000 flights have been canceled, and major seaports have suspended operations.

On January 21, Kuehne + Nagel issued an emergency notice stating that Houston Port, New Orleans Port, and Mobile Port were forced to shut down due to severe weather conditions. The company warned that snow and record-low temperatures are expected to cause significant disruptions to Gulf Coast port operations.

The busiest Gulf Coast port, Houston, issued a weather advisory, stating:
“The truck gates at container terminals closed as scheduled at 4:00 PM on Monday. Vessel operations were suspended later that evening due to local weather conditions.” On Tuesday, January 21, the port’s operations center remained closed, and it announced that all facilities would stay closed through Wednesday. To help customers recover from delays, the port plans to open on Saturday.

A freeze warning remains in effect for Texas until Wednesday morning.

According to Reuters, vessel pilots issued alerts to suspend operations. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by Wednesday, allowing vessel traffic to resume. By the weekend, temperatures are forecasted to return to around 60°F.

In eastern Louisiana, a blizzard warning was issued for the first time, with expected snowfall ranging from 3 to 6 inches. Officials reported that such snowfall levels have not been seen since 1960, with records dating back to 1895. On Monday, January 20, the Port of New Orleans was closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The port, along with other U.S. Gulf Coast terminals, remained closed on Tuesday due to icy conditions and is expected to resume operations on Wednesday, January 22.

The Alabama Port Authority also announced a suspension of operations on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:00 AM, closing all offices and facilities. If conditions permit, port facilities are scheduled to reopen and resume operations on Thursday, January 23, at 7:00 AM.