PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard has changed the port conditions for the Mid-Atlantic region as the recent Nor’easter weather conditions subside.
The Coast Guard reminds all vessels to remain alert for possible debris resulting from recent strong winds and high tides and report any hazardous conditions to the nearest sector. Phone numbers are listed below Vessels anchored should maintain a continuous listening watch on marine radio VHF channel 16.
The Coast Guard has set port conditions for the following ports:
- Port of Baltimore – previously Yankee, has been changed Normal, or not restricted
- Port of Hampton Roads – previously Zulu, was changed at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to Yankee from the sea to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal.
- At 11:15 a.m. the Captain of the Port reopened the James River to all traffic below James River Channel Light 12.
- At 2:30 p.m. the James River above James River Channel Light 12 and the York River were reopened to all commercial vessel traffic.
The Great Bridge Locks remain closed pending post storm assessments and the Lynnhaven inlet remains restricted due to pipeline dredge recovery operations and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners continues. The U. S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NOAA are continuing aids to navigation and waterways surveys. Click here to view a PDF of the 8:30 a.m. Marine Safety Information Bulletin, here for the 11:15 a.m., and here for the 2:30 p.m.
- Port of Morehead City, N.C., and Wilmington, N.C. – Normal – port status is not restricted
- Port of Philadelphia – Normal – port status is not restricted
The Coast Guard urges mariners to continue to stay alert to the weather conditions affecting the Mid-Atlantic region between North Carolina and New Jersey.
Coast Guard units will continue to monitor distress channels, but may not be immediately available to respond to an emergency on the water.
The Coast Guard urges mariners to stay off the water until the storm system has passed. Mariners who decide to get underway should be mindful of the following safety tips:
- Stay informed: The public should monitor the weather conditions through local television, radio and Internet. Information on small craft advisories and warnings can also be obtained via VHF channel 16.
- Wear a lifejacket: Wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket anytime you are on the water. Lifejackets come in a variety of sizes and are able to fit children as well as adults.
- Have a float plan: File a float plan with a friend or family member to ensure that someone knows where you plan to go and what time you will return. A float plan can help rescuers with information that can be useful to expedite rescue efforts in the event of an emergency.
- Have a marine-band radio: A marine-band radio is the most reliable way to contact rescuers. Cell phones are unreliable due to gaps in coverage and limited battery life.
For more information regarding port information in your area, use the following contact information:
Hampton Roads – 757 668-5555
Baltimore – 410 576-2541
North Carolina – 252 247-4570
Philadelphia – 215 271-4960
