Port Canaveral is Now Closed Due to Hurricane Helene

Photo byTiffany Marie Green | Dreamstime

Hurricane Helene has already disrupted cruise ship itineraries all along the gulf coast. Now, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world has announced it is closing because of the massive storm.

Port Canaveral has been forced to close in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to bring dangerous winds and storm surge to the state's west coast.

A post on X from Port Canaveral's official account made the announcement saying,

"PORT CANAVERAL AT CONDITION "ZULU" DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE: The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set hurricane condition "ZULU" for Port Canaveral: Port Canaveral is closed and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations until further notice."

The post linked to the port's website where more information will be provided.

Photo byStephen MeaseonUnsplash

According to Cruisemapper, four cruise ships were scheduled to return and depart from Port Canaveral on Septemeber 27. These cruise ships include Utopia of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Disney Wish, and Carnival Glory.

Port officials recommend staying up to date with Brevard EOC on X for fruther developments.

It remains to be seen if these ships will be able to return to the port on schedule.

Similar closures are in effect at Port Tampa Bay, with inbound and outbound vessel traffic halted. Landside operations may continue as long as it is safe to do so.

Passengers booked on cruises departing from Port Tampa Bay should contact their cruise line directly for the latest information on schedule changes.

The closures highlight the seriousness of Hurricane Helene and the potential disruptions it may cause. Residents along Florida's west coast are urged to monitor weather reports closely and follow all evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

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