WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Captain of the Port for North Carolina set Port Condition Zulu for the Ports of Morehead City and Wilmington at 3 a.m., Thursday, due to winds from Hurricane Michael.
Port Condition Zulu is a dangerous condition in which tropical storm force winds are possible within 12 hours. In Port Condition Zulu the port is closed, and all port operations are suspended.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as anticipated tropical storm force winds arrive.
Pleasure craft owners unable to remove their boats from the path of the storm are advised to set extra mooring lines and remove or secure extra gear. Maritime and port facilities are reminded to review and update their heavy weather response plans and make any additional preparations needed to adequately prepare in case of a potential impact to the area.
In addition,
Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
- Be prepared. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. 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 remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
