Ports along the Texas and Louisiana coasts were closed as the Category 4 hurricane slammed into the Gulf of Mexico and landed early Thursday in Cameron, Louisiana. The storm brought hurricane winds and high seas to the region.

The Port of Houston, the largest import and export center for fuel, chemicals and consumer goods, closed on Wednesday.

The port was in the process of reopening for commercial shipping late Thursday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard newsletter.

About 50 vessels, most of them tankers, were anchored offshore and were waiting to re-enter the Houston Shipping Channel.

Maritime Business World