Michael C Johnson/iStock via Getty Images
Worries about Tropical Storm Beryl, which is expected to regain strength as a Category 1 hurricane as it hits the Texas coast, led authorities on Sunday to close or restrict vessel traffic at key ports.
The port of Corpus Christi, the biggest export hub for crude oil in the United States, closed after the Coast Guard captain set condition “Zulu” on Sunday. Not any vessels are allowed to enter, transit or remain without the permission of the captain.
The closures may temporarily halt crude exports, shipments of oil to refineries and of motor fuels from those plants, Reuters reported Sunday.
The ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City were under condition “Yankee,” with a suspension of all inbound vessel traffic.
Beryl had strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane as it swept through the Caribbean. Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines were among the islands in the path of the deadly storm.