The Texas ports, which include the largest energy terminals in the US, said they would be closed on Monday 8 July as the US Coast Guard set port condition " Zulu " *.

The National Hurricane Center advised that Tropical Storm Beryl was expected to make landfall as a hurricane along the mid-Texas coast early on Monday warning of a dangerous storm surge, flash flooding, and strong winds.

The Port of Corpus Christi, the largest energy port in the US said it was at Hurricane Readiness Level 1 (high readiness). “The Port of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center is fully activated and will remain activated throughout the duration of the weather event,” the port said in an update.

The Port of Galveston said: “Galveston Wharves will be closed Monday due to Beryl. On Sunday, the port advised port tenants and employees to cease operations and vacate the premises in anticipation of flooding and high winds through Monday.”

The Port Houston advised that all facilities would be closed on Monday 8 July and it would advise on Tuesday 9 July’s operations no later than 12 noon on Monday.

The Port of Freeport advised on Sunday that Freeport Harbour Channel was closed and the port administration building would be closed on Monday 8 July. The Port of Texas is also reported to be closed.

*Zulu: This term implies gale force winds will occur within the next 12 hours. The upshot is that the port is closed to incoming or outgoing traffic.