Florida ports on Friday were bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Erika – possibly on Monday – after it hit Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and, most damagingly, the island of Dominica where it caused landslides and missing persons.
Taking no chances the governor of Florida, Republican Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the storm’s anticipated arrival.
The US National Hurricane Centre said the storm was unlikely to reach hurricane status because it would weaken as its path took it over Haiti and the Dominican Republic (which comprise the island of Hispaniola).
But the storm could still pack a punch if it hits ports in the south and east of the state such as Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach, possibly forcing their closure according to the US Coast Guard. All three ports specialise in container shipping.
