Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for Ports of Miami

News Release

Tropical Storm Dorian JIC Contact: Tropical Storm Dorian JIC Office: 305-209-9256 E-mail: tropicalstormdorian@gmail.com 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard sets port condition Yankee for Ports of Miami 

Editor's Note: Click on image to go to NOAA website.

MIAMI — Effective 12 p.m. Saturday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition Yankee for the Port of Fort Pierce, Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds of generated by Hurricane Dorian that may arrive within 24 hours.

At Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee, all vessels greater than 500 gross tons (GT) must depart the port unless the COTP has approved a request to remain in port.  Terminals and facilities must cease all cargo operations and secure handling equipment within the next 12 hours. Bulk liquid terminals must ensure all transfer hoses and loading arms are drained, flanged and secured.

Sustained winds of at least 39 mph are possible within 24 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.

Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for Miami ports unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.

Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

Be advised, about eight hours prior to the predicted arrival of sustained gale force winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and will not open until after the severe weather has passed.  It is critical that vessels intending to evacuate the Miami ports depart early to avoid being blocked by bridges.

If and when port condition Zulu is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 12 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the COTP.

The Coast Guard is advising 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.

Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.

Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms or hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.

Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage. 

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.

For information on Hurricane Dorian’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

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-USCG-