Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-Ray for St. Petersburg
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
305-965-4672
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition X-Ray for the ports of Tampa to Fort Myers at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, due to the expectation of Tropical Storm Laura generating sustained gale force winds within 48 hours.
Current forecasts do not indicate a need to set Port Condition Yankee; however, facility and vessel operators should be prepared to terminate all cargo operations and depart port if conditions change. Termination of cargo operations under Port Condition Yankee would not preclude truck operations or container movement within the facility.
Drawbridges in the area may cease operations as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of sustained gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress. During lock-down, the bridge is closed, power is turned off, traffic arms may be removed, the control house is secured and the bridge operator is sent to safety.
During Port Condition X-Ray, the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee, Ft. Myers and their associated facilities remain open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue, while regulated facilities are required to submit a Facility Readiness Survey prior to the setting of Port Condition Yankee.
Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. In preparation for the approaching tropical storm, all oceangoing commercial vessels greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.
Vessels bound for any of these ports, which would be unable to depart if weather conditions worsen are advised to seek an alternate destination as these ports may be closed to inbound traffic. Drawbridges may be locked down as early as eight hours prior to the anticipated arrival of sustained gale force winds or when an evacuation is in progress. During lock-down, the bridge is closed, power is turned off, traffic arms may be removed, the control house is secured and the bridge operator is sent to safety.
Mariners can view the latest port updates on the Coast Guard’s Homeport site.
The Coast Guard advises the public of these important 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 EPIRBs and secure life rings, lifejackets 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, by having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage:
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.
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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
305-965-4672
