With the expectance of gale force winds up to 54mph and heavy rainfall entering offshore areas of South Florida, the Captain of the Port (COPT) has ordered Port Condition YANKEE to be set in place.
The Port of Palm Beach is among those forced to close to all inbound traffic because of Hurricane Matthew.
A spokeswoman at the port told CBS12.com that the port is prepping to bunker down for a potential storm and crews at the port are already taking precautions around the property.
She also explained that there is concern about derelict vessels blocking navigation channels and Hurricane Matthew clogging the inlet with sand which could movement through these waters.
Port Condition YANKEE was entered at the Port of Palm Beach and Port of Fort Pierce at 9pm local time on Tuesday October 4.
At 4am on Wednesday October 5, the YANKEE condition was brought into place at the Port of Miami, Miami River, Port of Everglades and all other terminals and facilities within the Miami area of responsibility.
YANKEE means that gale force winds are expected to arrive within 24-hours. Affected ports have to be closed to inbound vessel traffic, and appropriate container stacking protocol must be completed.
All facilities shall continue to operate in accordance with their approved facility security plans and comply with the requirements of the Maritime Transport Security Act (MTSA).
It must also anticipate that drawbridges may be closed to vessel traffic as early as eight hours prior to the arrival of Hurricane Matthew’s force winds.
The Miami Zone should continue watching this storm closely and be prepared for the possible onset of Port Condition ZULU if conditions worsen.
Port Canaveral is also shutting down its cruise and cargo operations on October 5 because of the hurricane.
No ship traffic will be allowed in the harbour until after the storm passes and the order is lifted, this is the first time the port has closed since 2004.
John Murray, Port Canaveral’s CEO Has also issued an evacuation order for landside operations, this effects Jerry Park campers, marinas, as well as port businesses and tenants.
The hurricane has already hit Haiti earlier in the week, with 145mph winds and up to three feet of rain.
So far it is reported that the hurricane has claimed 11 lives, with five deaths reported in Haiti.