Web Alert: US Coastguard sets port conditions in anticipation of the Hurricane Irma

The US Coastguard has set the following port conditions in ports likely to be affected by the Hurricane Irma:

• Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City− Whiskey
• Port of Charleston− Whiskey
• Ports of Savannah and Brunswick− Whiskey
• Port Miami, Miami River, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach, Port of Fort Pierce− X-Ray
• Port of Key West− X-Ray
• Port Canaveral− X-Ray

These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray or Whiskey remain in effect.

Port conditions are a gradual, time phased development based on impact of storm and assessment of safety conditions.

Port condition Whiskey: Set when gale force winds are expected to arrive at the port within 72 hours. Port remains open to all commercial traffic, but oceangoing ships and barges must report their intention to remain in port or depart. If they are departing, they must do so within 12 hours of gale force winds.

Port condition X-Ray: Gale force winds are expected within 48 hours. The rules are similar to port condition Whiskey.

Port condition Yankee: Gale force winds predicted within 24 hours. Vessels seeking to depart must arrange immediate departure. Cargo operations must cease with 18 kilometre per hour (kph) winds. Transfer hoses must be disconnected with 22 kph winds. Ships seeking to arrive in port should seek an alternate destination.

Port condition Zulu: Gale force winds within 12 hours. The port is closed.

The situation is rapidly changing. For the latest updates visit the National Hurricane Center and the USCG website.