Port Canaveral closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday, because of expected high winds from Hurricane Idalia.
At that time, the U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port set “Hurricane Condition Zulu” for Port Canaveral, indicating that sustained gale-force winds of at least 39 mph are predicted within 12 hours.
“Port Canaveral is closed, and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside port operations until further notice,” the port said in a statement. “Based on current forecasts and storm information, Port Canaveral is not issuing a marina evacuation order for Hurricane Idalia. Vessels berthed at marinas located in Port Canaveral should consult with their marina owner/operator, and comply with marina specific requirements and precautions.”
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The Canaveral Lock also is shut down.
The port said “landside operations at Port Canaveral may remain open and operate as deemed necessary. This includes cargo facilities, commercial establishments, restaurants and other businesses.”
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The closing of the port resulted in the cancellation of the Tuesday evening cruise of the Victory 1 gambling ship and both half-day sailings of the ship on Wednesday.
Port officials said a tanker that was unloading petroleum at Port Canaveral on Tuesday left the port Tuesday evening, then plans to return after the expected winds die down to complete its work.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas came into port early Tuesday afternoon for a port-of-call stop, and left before the shutdown Tuesday evening.
There are no cruise ships scheduled to be in port on Wednesday.
Port officials are hoping that the port would be able to reopen in advance of the planned arrival of the MSC Seaside on Thursday.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at [email protected], on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54