Port Freeport Remains Open Amid Rough Seas; Inbound Boarding Temporarily Suspended by Brazos Pilots

[Editor’s Note: This article was updated from an earlier version to correct information regarding Port Freeport’s operational status. The original report inaccurately stated that Port Freeport had closed due to Tropical Storm Rafael. The port remained open, with only a temporary suspension of inbound boarding by the Brazos Pilots due to rough sea conditions unrelated to the storm.]

(Reuters) — Contrary to earlier reports, Port Freeport in south Texas remained fully open and operational with no closures due to Tropical Storm Rafael, according to a recent statement.

While a previous report indicated the port closed to inbound traffic, officials clarified that only inbound vessel boarding was temporarily suspended on Tuesday by the Brazos Pilots Association, due to rough seas from a passing frontal system, not related to the tropical storm. Boarding resumed the same day after conditions improved.

Rafael is forecast to be near hurricane intensity when it passes near or over the Cayman Islands by Tuesday night, with tropical storm conditions expected in the lower and middle Florida Keys starting Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard declared condition ‘whiskey’ at ports in Florida, including Tampa and St. Petersburg, advising vessels to prepare for gale-force winds within 72 hours. Meanwhile, major energy companies are evacuating some oil production workers and securing offshore platforms as they prepare for Rafael's potential impact on the Gulf of Mexico.

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