PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has set port condition Yankee for Hampton Roads in preparation for Hurricane Earl.
This condition means that gale force winds are possible within 24 hours at the Virginia Capes.
No vessel may enter the port of Hampton Roads without the permission of the Captain of the Port. Facility operators and agents should contact the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads office at 757-441-3305 to request permission for vessels to enter the port. Boaters are urged to be cautious as the port can expect 25-knot winds with gusts of up to 30 knots from Thursday evening – Friday afternoon.
It is primarily the facility operator’s decision to allow vessels to remain moored during the passing of the hurricane. Facilities that do not allow vessels to remain moored must provide them with sufficient notice to allow vessels time to move to a safe mooring, hurricane anchorage, or depart to sea.
Facilities and vessels should communicate with each other regarding their plans. Facility operators should continue making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment and debris are safely secured. All vessel moorings should be reinforced.
Vessels anchored shall prepare for severe winds. Additional anchors should be made ready to let go and preparations should be made to have a continuous anchor watch. Also, vessels shall maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16.
For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Boaters can monitor its progress on NOAA weather radio.
Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF channel 22 A.
Contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads command center at 757-638-6635 for amplifying information. Call 757-668-5555, option 3 to reach the port condition hotline, for a recorded message of current hurricane conditions.
The port of Hampton Roads Maritime Heavy Weather Contingency Plan, which explains all port conditions, is available here.
