NEW YORK – Effective 11 a.m., Saturday, Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey, Capt. Gordon Loebl increased port conditions for the Port of New York and New Jersey to X-RAY, due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Hurricane Sandy may arrive within 48 hours.
Ports are currently open to all commercial traffic. The COTP will issue additional Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts as the storm approaches and port conditions change, including bridge or waterway closures.
Owners, operators or agents of all oceangoing vessels more than 500 gross tons, and all barges and other waterborne structures being used for berthing must immediately advise the COTP if they intend to remain in port throughout the storm by completing a remaining in port checklist, and submit it to the COTP within 24 hours for approval.
“With Hurricane Irene still fresh in everyone’s mind from last year, Coast Guard Sector New York is actively making all necessary preparations for any potential impact from Hurricane Sandy,” said Loebl. “With current forecasts projecting the potential for hurricane force winds within this area, all citizens should carefully monitor weather bulletins and heed any precautionary notices from local and state government. Mariners, in particular, should monitor all Coast Guard notices relative to the hurricane. As the situation develops, the Coast Guard will update its alert status and port conditions.”
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition YANKEE when gale force winds from Hurricane Sandy are within 24 hours of landfall.
Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hurricane Sandy through local television, radio and 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.
For information on Hurricane Sandy’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s web page at the following link – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
For information about hurricane preparedness visit Ready.gov.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visithttp://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
