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Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-Ray in NC waters

August 31, 2016

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Captain of the Port (COTP) North Carolina has set Port Condition X-Ray for all navigable waterways in the North Carolina COTP Zone in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Tropical Storm Hermine.  Gale Force winds (34 knots or 39 mph) are predicted along the coast of North Carolina within 48 hours.  Port Condition X-Ray means pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor, and commercial vessels that intend to enter, transit, or remain within any North Carolina port must comply with the following requirements:1. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross-tons, all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs and all tank barges over 200 gross-tons intending to depart the port must schedule departure to clear the sea buoy at least 12 hours prior to the expected arrival of sustained gale force winds associated with tropical storm activity at Frying Pan Shoals NOAA Lighted Buoy. Those wishing to remain in port must immediately submit in writing to the COTP an application for approval to remain in port.2. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 gross-tons, all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs, and all tank barges over 200 gross-tons are expected to be finalizing preparations for departure during the next 24 hours unless they intend to stay in port and have notified the COTP of such intention and have submitted a Remaining in Port Checklist for approval by the COTP.

3. Vessels bound for North Carolina ports that are unable to depart 24 hours prior to the arrival of sustained gale force winds at Frying Pan Shoals NOAA Lighted Buoy are advised to seek an alternative destination.

Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater or once evacuations begin. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

Facility operators should begin making preparations to ensure all loose cargo, equipment, and debris is secured. Notification should be made to the COTP of any heavy weather preparation problems that cannot be mitigated within 24 hours.For updated COTP information for ports in North Carolina, please visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=53

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 information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a storm, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.For information on the storm’s progress and storm preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan for the storm at http://www.ready.gov/.

For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.

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