Georgia to Shut Port Operations ahead of Storm

Posted by Eric Haun September 1, 2016

Photo: Georgia Ports Authority/Stephen B. Morton

As a result of the severe weather, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) said it will close its facilities in both Savannah and Brunswick Friday, September 2 ahead of Tropical Storm Hermine.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for 56 counties, including Glynn and Chatham counties, where Georgia's deepwater ports are located. The U.S. Coast Guard will restrict vessel arrival and departure starting at 10 p.m. tonight.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and for the safety of our employees, local residents, customers and service providers, we are closing our facilities until the storm has passed,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch.

Closed facilities include Garden City Terminal and Ocean Terminal in Savannah; and the Colonel's Island Bulk Facility and Mayor's Point Terminal in Brunswick. The GPA said it may resume field operations as early as Friday evening. Normal gate operations will resume at Garden City Terminal from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, at Gate 4 only.