PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Hampton Roads has set Port Condition Yankee in preparation for Tropical Storm Hanna.
This encompasses the Ports of Hampton Roads and Richmond, Va., the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and all navigable inlets and waterways.
As Tropical Storm Hanna approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to follow these safety precautions:
Stay Informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hanna through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor the storm’s progress on NOAA weather radio. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF channel 22A.
Evacuate as Necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed evacuation orders. During the storm Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger.
Secure your Belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to damage or breaking free from their moorings. 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, life jackets and smaller boats.
Be Cautious of Hazardous Materials. If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any foul weather.
Stay Clear of Beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Hanna. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.
Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to 8 hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater, and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
The public is encouraged to contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads’ 24-hour emergency response center at (757) 638-6641 with any questions or in case of an emergency.
For more information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/, and the Coast Guard’s public information Web site, http://hanna.uscgstormwatch.com.
