Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-ray for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee due to Tropical Storm Fred

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay 305-965-4672 PA Detachment Tampa Bay online newsroom

Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-ray for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee due to Tropical Storm Fred

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) St. Petersburg set Port Condition X-ray at 6:00 p.m. for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds generated by Tropical Storm Fred that may arrive within 48 hours.

These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray remains in effect. Waterfront facilities should remove potential flying debris, hazardous materials and oil pollution hazards from dockside areas. Facilities should continue to implement container stacking protocols. Coast Guard Port Assessment Teams are conducting port surveys.

Sustained winds between 35 and 43 mph are possible within 48 hours. All oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons that do not have an approved heavy weather layup plan should be prepared to depart the port and anchorages immediately if Port Hurricane Condition Yankee is set.

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 the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee 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.

Drawbridges in the area may cease operations as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of sustained gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress. During lock-down, the bridge is closed, power is turned off, traffic arms may be removed, the control house is secured and the bridge operator is sent to safety.

If and when port condition Yankee is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the Captain of the Port.

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.

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.

Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm. 

Don't rely on social media. People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.

For information onTropical Storm Fred’s progress and Tropical Storm preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

Questions regarding this Port Condition Information Broadcast or required actions, should be directed to the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector St. Petersburg Chief, Waterways Management Division, Lt. Cmdr. Eunice James at 813- 228-2191 ext. 8130 or to your Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group representative.

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-USCG-