MIAMI – Effective 6 p.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Capt. James Fitton, increased port conditions for the Port of Palm Beach, Fla., and Fort Pierce, Fla., to X-RAY due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Hanna will arrive within 48 hours. Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will remain in condition WHISKEY until further notice.
Waterfront facilities should be removing potential flying debris, hazardous materials and pollutants from dockside areas. All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons must prepare to depart the port and shall depart immediately upon setting port condition YANKEE, which is anticipated at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Vessels unable to depart the port must contact the Captain of the Port to request and receive permission to remain in port. Inbound vessels that will be unable to depart the port upon the setting of port condition YANKEE are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Ports, facilities and operators should anticipate additional restrictions on inbound and outbound traffic as Tropical Storm Hanna approaches.
Mariners should prepare for impending severe weather and be aware drawbridges may not be operating as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of gale force winds or when an evacuation in in progress.
