PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard Sector North Carolina captain of the port has set Port Condition Whiskey for all navigable waterways in North Carolina in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Tropical Storm Arthur.
Winds between 39 and 54 mph are expected to reach Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 16 within 72 hours and boaters are advised to seek safe harbor.
All vessels are advised to use caution when transiting the area. Vessels at anchor or moorings should prepare for heavy weather accordingly.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 39 mph or greater or once evacuations begin. Due to uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visit http://ift.tt/
For information on tropical storm Arthur’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s Web page at http://ift.tt/riqYHz.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan for the storm at http://www.ready.gov/.
The Coast Guard requests that the public listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information.
For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website http://www.nhc.noaa.