Batten Down The Hatches For Hurricane Dorian: Coast Guard

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — With the approach of Hurricane Dorian, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port St. Petersburg ordered Port Condition XRAY for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee, and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds generated by Hurricane Dorian that may arrive within 48 hours.

In maritime law, Hurricane Port Condition XRAY is declared when weather advisories indicate sustained gale-force winds of 39-54 mph/34-47 knots from a tropical or hurricane-force storm are predicted to make landfall at the port within 72 hours.

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

Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 48 hours. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.

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. 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.

Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.

Be advised, about eight hours prior to the predicted arrival of sustained gale force winds (above 39 mph), most bridges will be locked down and will not open until after the severe weather has passed. It is critical that vessels intending to evacuate the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee depart early to avoid being blocked by bridges.

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

The Coast Guard advises public and recreational boaters to take the following actions:

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 taken out of the water and stored in a place not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, life jackets 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 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 website.

Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and 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.
For the latest forecast advisories and weather updates for Tropical Storm Dorian, visit the National Hurricane Center.

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.