Coast Guard sets Port Condition Zulu for North Carolina ports

News Release

Oct. 11, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic Contact: 5th District Public Affairs Office: (757) 398-6272 After Hours: (757) 434-7712 5th District online newsroom

Coast Guard sets Port Condition Zulu for North Carolina ports

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Captain of the Port for North Carolina set Port Condition Zulu for the Ports of Morehead City and Wilmington at 3 a.m., Thursday, due to winds from Hurricane Michael.

Port Condition Zulu is a dangerous condition in which tropical storm force winds are possible within 12 hours. In Port Condition Zulu the port is closed, and all port operations are suspended.

The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as anticipated tropical storm force winds arrive.

Pleasure craft owners unable to remove their boats from the path of the storm are advised to set extra mooring lines and remove or secure extra gear. Maritime and port facilities are reminded to review and update their heavy weather response plans and make any additional preparations needed to adequately prepare in case of a potential impact to the area.

Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:

• Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the 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.

-USCG-