NEW YORK — Coast Guard Captain of the port, Capt. Michael Day set Port Condition Whiskey for the Port of New York in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Hermine, Saturday.
Port Condition Whiskey was set at 4 p.m. due to gale force winds from Hurricane Hermine being expected to make landfall along the coast of the New York and New Jersey within 72 hours.
Ports are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect.
Vessels anchored should begin making preparations to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16. Vessels at facilities shall stow all unnecessary gear, ensure proper moorings, and carefully monitor cargo operations.
All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross tons (GT) and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs must report their intention to depart or remain in port.
If desiring to remain in port during the storm, vessels over 500 GT and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs must complete a remaining in port checklist, and submit it to the Captain of the port within 24 hours for approval.
Vessels bound for Connecticut and Long Island 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. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
The Coast Guard requests that the public listen to weather information available from other sources and not call the Coast Guard for weather information.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a storm, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
For information on the storm’s progress and storm preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan for the storm at http://www.ready.gov/.
For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.