Coast Guard sets port condition modified Whiskey for the Port of Ocean City, Md.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set port condition modified Whiskey for the Ocean City Inlet, Isle of Wight Bay, Assawoman Bay and Sinepuxent Bay, Md., due to predicted sustained tropical force winds generated by Hurricane Dorian that may arrive in the coming days.

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

Vessels intending to anchor in port or remain moored at a waterfront facility during the hurricane should proceed to the anchorage or facility if not already there or shift berths only if needed, and maintain a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16.

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.

Owners of pleasure craft are advised to closely monitor weather reports and seek safe harbor well before storm conditions arrive. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 34 mph or when an evacuation is in progress.

Port conditions will be elevated as tropical storm force winds approach and vessel movements will be restricted. Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.

Be prepared. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inlandmarinas. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those leaving boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. These items can break free and may require valuable search-and-rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.

Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.