SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard set Port Condition ZULU at 2a.m. Thursday for the eastern and northern ports of Puerto Rico due to the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.
Ports under Port Condition ZULU will officially suspend port operations and are closed to all inbound and outbound vessel traffic until otherwise directed by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.
The Coast Guard set Port Condition YANKEE at 10 a.m. Thursday for the southern and western ports in Puerto Rico until otherwise directed by the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port.
During Port Condition YANKEE, the ports are open to outbound vessel traffic only, while commercial inbound vessels are restricted from entering the port. Vessels greater than 500 gross tons currently in port are to get underway and exit the port before the Captain of the Port sets Port Condition ZULU, which closes the port to all outbound and inbound vessel traffic. All other vessels authorized to remain in port are to take appropriate precautionary measures to secure their vessels.
Following the passing of Tropical Storm Erika through the area, Coast Guard teams will conduct port assessments prior to reopening any ports closed under Port Condition ZULU and returning to normal port operations.