SEC HR MSIB 19-227 - Port Condition YANKEE

MSIB 19-227

September 4, 2019

 

Setting of Port Condition YANKEE

SUMMARY: Due to the approach of Hurricane DORIAN, the Hampton Roads Captain of the Port will set Port Condition YANKEE at 7:00 p.m. today, September 4, 2019. Gale-force winds associated with the storm may reach the Virginia Capes within 24 hrs at that point.

RESTRICTIONS: As of 7:00 p.m. today, all vessels must receive prior permission from the Captain of the Port to enter or transit the Port of Hampton Roads. Vessel operators/agents should contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads by email at HamptonRoadsWaterways@uscg.mil or by phone at (757) 374-3408 to request permission to enter/transit or to change previous plans to depart or remain in port.

Based on current weather forecasts, the Captain of the Port intends to set Port Condition ZULU and close the Port of Hampton Roads and entrance to Chesapeake Bay on Thursday, September 5th at 4 p.m.

SITUATION: Hurricane DORIAN threatens the southeast United States and is expected to track northeast towards the coast of North Carolina. Impacts to southeast Virginia are expected and will be felt well away from the center of the storm. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for southern Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and all of coastal Virginia.

PRECAUTIONS: Facility operators should make preparations to ensure all loose cargo, cargo equipment, and debris is secured safely. All vessel moorings should be reinforced. Vessels at facilities shall stow all unnecessary gear, ensure proper moorings, and carefully monitor cargo operations.

Vessels anchored should make preparations for heavy weather and maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16.

For a complete listing of all recommended storm preparations, facilities and vessel operators should review the Port of Hampton Roads Severe Weather Contingency Plan, Annex A, Tab C. This plan may be found on line under "Local Contingency Plans" at: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/hampton-roads

COMMUNICATIONS: Call (757) 668-5555 option 3 for current port conditions. For any further questions, please call the Waterways Management Division duty phone at (757) 374-3408.

Authority: 33 CFR 165.501

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