Tropical Storm "Isaac" is nearing the US Gulf, and began crossing a portion of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. By late Tuesday, it was anticipated that the storm could reach hurricane strength. By Thursday, the storm is officially expected to make landfall in the US Gulf, near the same regions that were hit hard seven years ago by Hurricane Katrina. Warnings have been issued all the way from Louisiana to Florida, which has resulted in preemptive shutdowns by numerous businesses to prevent damages and injury. ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, based in Calvert, Alabama, announced Monday plans to shutter its operations by 6 p.m. on account of the storm and allowed for a number of its workers to evacuate early.
The Port of New Orleans, Louisiana ceased operations at 5 pm Monday, and port personnel locked down cranes and other equipment. The port's cargo operations will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday as the storm strengthens.
Meanwhile, the Alabama State Port Authority said that no cargo will be received at the port terminals until they can be reopened while all vessels were required to sail by Sunday afternoon. Rail operations were also suspended by end-of-business Monday.