Posted on 08/27/2011 2:37:06 PM PDT by bd476
PHILADELPHIA — The Captain of the Port for Philadelphia set port condition Zulu for all commercial waterways effective 4 p.m. Saturday in preparation for Hurricane Irene.
Gale force winds are expected within 12 hours.
1. All cargo and bunker handling operations must cease at this time.
2. A safety zone has been established, prohibiting vessel movement and activities unless specifically authorized by the COTP.
3. All commercial vessel and barge operators who have received permission from the Captain of the Port to remain in port must be at their mooring site in accordance with their plan.
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.
All Coast Guard small boat stations have secured operations in anticipation of the hurricane. As a result, they will have minimal search and rescue capabilities until the storm passes out of the area. The Coast Guard once again urges boaters to stay off the water and off the beaches.
For guidance on specific issues or to obtain vessel applications to remain in port, contact Sector Delaware Bay at 215-271-4807.
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.
Hurricane Irene, port condition Zulu, Port of Philadelphia
More in 'Marine Safety'
haven’t they heard? our resident geniuses say it’s just hysteria. besides, they were 100 miles from that other storm 30 years back that didn’t hit any cities and survived!
Agree. Playing politics in the middle of this isn't right yet some things never change. Prayers extended for all who are in the path of Hurricane Irene.
These guys generally just like to keep the big expensive boats from bumping into things.
Well within the power of the Captain of the Port.
ping
NOAAVisualizations on YouTube
17 Seconds Animated Satellite Images of Hurricane Irene from the beginning
Animated Satellite Images of Hurricane Irene from the beginning - Updated August 27, 2011
Over the past week, Hurricane Irene has battered Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, North Carolina, and is now heading for the major metropolitan areas of the Northeast U.S. Storm surge and flooding are the major concerns for coastal cities and towns, as total rainfall from this storm may exceed 15" in some areas.
Hurricane warnings and evacuations are in effect from North Carolina to Maine.
From tropical wave on August 19th to Category 3 and back down to Category 1 on August 27th, Hurricane Irene's movements are documented here in 30-minute imagery from the NOAA GOES-East satellite.
NOAAVisualizations on YouTube: Hurricane Irene - Updated August 27, 2011
30 knots of wind typically equates to one knot of current. (depending on the above-water-line sail area of that particula vessel). It might be nearly impossible to maintain control of a vessel in close inland waters with 70 knot winds.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
