Coast Guard sets port condition Whiskey for Hampton Roads

[The Patriot]

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Captain of the Port for Sector Hampton Roads has set port condition Whiskey at noon for Hampton Roads due to the expectation that gale force winds generated by Hurricane Irene may arrive within 72 hours.

The ports are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect.

Threatening winds between 39 and 54 mph from a hurricane-force storm are possible within 72 hours.

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 Hampton Roads 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.

Mariners can anticipate the Coast Guard setting port readiness condition X-ray when gale force winds from Hurricane Irene are within 48 hours of landfall.

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/.

All media inquiries can contact Lt. Jack Smith or Lt. Brett Workman at 757-638-6647 or 757-638-6672 for more information.




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