CHARLESTON, S.C – The captain of the port for Charleston, Port Royal and Georgetown has established port readiness condition X-Ray for coastal South Carolina due to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Hanna.
The ports of Charleston, Port Royal and Georgetown are open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue during this port condition. Threatening winds of 39 miles-per-hour from Tropical Storm Hanna are possible along the coast of South Carolina within 48 hours.
All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross-tons are to make plans for departing the port area. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the captain of the port to receive permission to do so, and they are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for this port, which are unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall, are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating when sustained wind speeds reach 25 miles-per-hour or when evacuation is in progress.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plan and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition Yankee when gale force winds from Tropical Storm Hanna within 24 hours of landfall.
The threat of severe rip currents is high along the South Carolina coast at this time. Beachgoers are urged to use caution and head all local flags and warnings.
Boaters should be making preparations to move their vessels to a safe refuge or higher ground. Small boats that are anchored in the waterways are susceptible to storm surge and strong winds.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please click here.
For information on the progress of Tropical Storm Hanna and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page at the following link – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
