New York – The New England area Coast Guard Captains of the Ports have set restrictive port conditions in anticipation of gale force winds from Tropical Storm Henri expected to arrive within 24-48 hours.
Current conditions are:
- The Captain of the Port for Southeastern New England has set Port Condition YANKEE
- The Captain of the Port for New York and New Jersey has set Port Condition X-ray.
- The Captain of the Port for Long Island Sound has Guard set Port Condition X-Ray.
- The Captain of the Port for Northern New England has set Port Condition X-RAY.
Tropical Storm Henri is a dangerous storm. Pleasure craft are advised to seek a safe haven. Draw bridges may not operate upon onset of high winds or when an evacuation is in progress. Closely monitor NOAA weather forecasts for storm-related information.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plan and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
- Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.
- Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress.
- Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Henri. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
- Be prepared. Area residents should prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Henri through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
For information on the progress of Henri and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page at the following link – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
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