Port condition X-ray set for Port of Baltimore

[The Patriot]

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set condition X-ray at 8 a.m. Friday for the Port of Baltimore in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

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 Baltimore.

Pleasure craft 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 for Maryland on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and to take all necessary precautions to prepare adequately 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 visit 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 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan at http://www.ready.gov/.




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