PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard captain of the port set Port Condition X-ray at 2 p.m Saturday for the Port of Philadelphia in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.
Condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.
During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts the Port of Philadelphia.
As storms approach, the Coast Guard urges people to remember to stay off the water and clear of beaches for safety reasons. The Coast Guard will be securing their assets as well and will have minimal crews and capabilities.
Mariners are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
If and when port readiness condition Yankee is set, meaning hurricane force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please click here.http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/
For information on Hurricane Irene’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s Web page at the following link. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s site for tips to prepare, plan and stay informed athttp://www.ready.gov/.
