Chevron closes Tampa terminal as Hurricane Milton approaches

Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX) has closed its Tampa bulk terminal as Hurricane Milton heads toward the U.S. coast. The hurricane is expected to double its wind field by the time it makes landfall in the US early Thursday, with storm surges of up to 15 ft (4.5 meters) along the Florida coast, including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota . Described as the “storm of the century,” Milton turned northeast overnight about 300 miles (480 km) southwest of Tampa, targeting heavily populated and highly vulnerable communities. The hurricane is expected to weaken slightly to a Category 4 with sustained winds of about 130 mph after making landfall.

“Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida,” warned the National Hurricane Center.

Dozens of energy companies have begun closing their pipelines and fuel delivery terminals in Tampa, Florida, along with gas stations. running out of fuel. Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI) shut down its Central Florida Pipeline system, two small lines that carry gasoline, diesel and other fuels from Tampa to Orlando. The giant pipeline operator also closed all bulk fuel delivery terminals in the Tampa area.

“While the Tampa terminal is closed, our Orlando truck racks are expected to remain operational until winds exceed 35 miles per hour,Kinder Morgan announced.

Citgo Petroleum Corporation also closed its terminal in Tampa, while Buckeyes said it had suspended operations at its terminal facilities in Tampa.

According to current forecasts, the blast is expected to hit Fort Myers Beach, an area devastated by Hurricane Ian two years ago, which destroyed a road to the outlying islands. Hurricane Helene hit the same area two weeks ago, raising concerns that an assortment of debris, including discarded furniture and appliances from that storm, will become projectiles in the next storm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that the state deployed more than 300 dump trucks that removed 1,300 loads of debris. One resident reported seeing bull sharks swimming in flooded streets after Helene made landfall.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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