WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Captain of the Port Sector North Carolina set Port Condition Zulu Tuesday for the Port of Morehead City in preparation for the anticipated heavy weather impact of Hurricane Maria.
The Port of Morehead City is closed to all inbound and outbound traffic. No vessel may enter, depart, or transit without the permission of the Captain of the Port.
Gale force winds (34 knots or 39 mph) are expected to reach Beaufort Inlet Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy “BM” (LLNR 29328) within 12 hours.
1. All cargo and bunker handling operations must cease at this time.
2. All commercial vessels and barges who have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must be at their mooring site in accordance with their plan.
3. Vessels bound for these ports are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater or once evacuations begin. Because of the 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 the progress of Hurricane Maria and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center‘s webpage.
For imagery and video of the Hurricane Maria response, please visit our Flicker page.
