Friday, August 26, 2011

Coast Guard Scheduled to Set Port Condition Zulu for Hampton Roads

     Portsmouth, Va. -- The Coast Guard Captain of the Port is scheduled to set condition Zulu at midnight Friday for the Port of Hampton Roads due to severe weather.
     The COTP is establishing a safety zone that will close the port to all vessel traffic, including vessel transits within the port. Vessel movement is not authorized without prior approval from the COTP.
     The COTP anticipates remaining in condition Zulu until severe weather ceases. All mariners are advised to be extra vigilant as the port can expect sustained gale force winds greater than 39 mph during the next 36 hours. Cargo handling operations at all facilities shall be terminated during this time period.
     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 additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center Web site at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
     The Port of Hampton Roads Maritime Heavy Weather Contingency Plan explains all port conditions and is available at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=26.
     Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website at http://www.ready.gov/ to stay informed and for tips on how to prepare and plan for severe weather.

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