The state of Louisiana and the New Orleans metro area is anticipating adverse impacts from Hurricane Zeta starting Wednesday October 28th, continuing through the evening hours based on Zeta’s current projected track. Hurricane Zeta has grown in strength overnight and is now a Category 1 hurricane with additional strengthening expected to a Category 2 storm prior to landfall anticipated. Zeta is a fast moving storm and is expected to be out of the area Wednesday evening / early Thursday morning.

Landfall is expected on Wednesday afternoon at about 1:00 pm central time and the New Orleans metro area is in the direct path. There could still be some fluctuations that would bring the storm a bit farther to the east, but the core of Zeta could potentially impact the New Orleans metro area.

There is a risk of storm surge along south-facing shores, passing heavy rain, tropical storm-force winds, and a risk of tornadoes Wednesday night. The weather will improve rapidly on Thursday morning.as Zeta begins to leave the area..

As of this draft, Tropical Storm Zeta is moving N at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph.

**Strong winds are a major concern across the New Orleans metro area as power outages are anticipated from this fast moving storm. J.W. Allen & Company personnel are working remotely and will continue to do so as long as possible, conditions permitting.

We will provide additional updates regarding our operations as soon as conditions enable us to do so.**

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Port of New Orleans Client Advisory – Hurricane Zeta

Dear Valued Customer,

Storm preparations are underway for Tropical Storm Zeta, expected to strengthen to Hurricane strength later today. The forecasted intensity of the storm’s impacts has increased for the Gulf Coast area (see forecast below) and we expect tropical storm force wind to arrive as early as 0200 Wednesday, October 28, 2020. We will continue provide daily updates on our operating status.

Terminal Operations

New Orleans Terminal and Ports America for containerized operations will be CLOSED tomorrow Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

Empire, Coastal Cargo, Gulf Stream and Ports America for breakbulk operations will be CLOSED tomorrow Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

Vessel Operations

Tuesday, October 27, 2020: The Coast Guard has set Port condition to X-RAY OPEN to all commercial traffic.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020: The Coast Guard is expected set Port condition to ZULU RESTRICTED vessel movements.

Rail Operations

NOPB will CEASE operations tomorrow Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

Vessel schedules will be updated as conditions evolve at: https://www.portnola.com/business/cargo. Select ‘Vessels in Port’ from the menu on the right side of the page.

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J.W. Allen Preparedness & Business Continuity

J.W. Allen personnel will be monitoring communications and working remotely as we continue to prepare for Tropical Storm Zeta and potential adverse impacts.

We will continue to provide updates as appropriate regarding our operations to ensure our business continuity in support of yours as developments warrant.

All shipments have been processed as far forward as possible in the clearance and handling process in light of the uncertainty facing the region this week.

For assistance during our office closure, please visit our website for emergency contact information by clicking Here.

We appreciate your support and cooperation as we take these steps to ensure not only the safety of the J.W. Allen & Company family but also your business continuity.