The following is the text of Hurricane Sandy-related press releases issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
Click here to view the latest Coast Guard statement for the Port of New York and New Jersey, including real-time conditions at various waterways. Gale-force winds are expected.
(PORTSMOUTH, Va.) — The Coast Guard captain of the port has set Port Condition Yankee for the coastal waters of the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia Saturday due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy.
All remaining ports in the Hampton Roads remain at Port Condition X-Ray.
Condition Yankee means that gale force winds are possible within 24 hours at the Virginia Capes.
No vessel may enter ports along the eastern shore without the permission of the captain of the port.
Facility operators and agents should contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads at 757-638-6641 to request permission for vessels to enter the port.
It is primarily the facility operator’s decision to allow vessels to remain moored during the passing of the hurricane. Facilities that do not allow vessels to remain moored must provide them with sufficient notice to allow the vessels time to move to a safe mooring, hurricane anchorage or to depart to sea.
Facilities and vessels should communicate with each other regarding vessels’ plans. Facility operators should continue making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment and debris are safely secured. All vessel moorings should be reinforced.
Anchored vessels should prepare for severe winds. Additional anchors should be made ready to let go, and preparations should be made to have a continuous anchor watch. Also, vessels shall monitor VHF-FM channel 16.
The Coast Guard urges the public to listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information. For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Boaters can monitor its progress on NOAA weather radio.
Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF-FM channel 22A.
Mariners can view the latest port updates for Hampton Roads on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site. Call 757-668-5555, option 3, to reach the port condition hotline for a recorded message of current hurricane conditions.
(BALTIMORE) — The captain of the port of Baltimore has set port condition X-ray Saturday, for the upper Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Sandy.
During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts the Port of Baltimore.
Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for Maryland on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy-weather plans and to take all necessary precautions to prepare adequately for the expected conditions.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
For information on Hurricane Sandy's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan for the storm at http://www.ready.gov/.
(PHILADELPHIA) — The Coast Guard captain of the port set condition X-ray at 2 p.m Saturday for the Port of Philadelphia in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.
Condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts the Port of Philadelphia.
As storms approach, the Coast Guard urges people to remember to stay off the water and clear of beaches for safety reasons. The Coast Guard will be securing their assets as well and will have minimal crews and capabilities.
Mariners are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please click here. http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at the following link. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site for tips to prepare, plan and stay informed at http://www.ready.gov/.
