Tropical Storm Laura: Coast Guard Sets Port Condition Whiskey

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Casual boaters must stay off the water Friday after the Coast Guard set port condition Whiskey for the Port of St. Petersburg. The order comes ahead of expected sustained gale force winds of 25 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph from Tropical Storm Laura that may arrive within 72 hours, a Coast Guard news release said.

These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial boat traffic, and all transfer operations may continue while port condition Whiskey remains in effect.

Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 72 hours. Mariners are reminded there aren't safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges 300 gross tons and above should make plans for departing the port.

Boats desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the captain of the port to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for South Florida unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall should seek an alternate destination.

Pleasure crafts should 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.

If and when port condition X-Ray is set — meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 48 hours — vessel movement will be restricted, and all commercial movements must be approved by the captain of the port.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters of these safety messages:

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 leaving their boats in the water should remove their emergency radio beacons and 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 storms. 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 with a family plan, 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.

Boaters can monitor the weather's progress on VHF radio Channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio Channel 16.

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