MIAMI – Effective 11 a.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Capt. Chris Scraba, increased port conditions for the Port of Miami, Miami River, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach and Fort Pierce, Fla., to WHISKEY until approximately 3 p.m.
The ports are open to all commercial traffic and transfer operations may continue during this port condition. Threatening winds in excess of 39 mph from Tropical Depression 16 are possible along the South Florida coast within 72 hours.
All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the captain of the port to receive permission to do so and 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 mph or when an 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 X-RAY at 3 p.m. when gale force winds from Tropical Depression 16 are within 48 hours of landfall.
