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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Effective 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition X-ray for the Port of Charleston and all other terminals and facilities due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds generated by Hurricane Florence that may arrive within 48 hours.
These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray remains in effect.
Sustained winds between 39 and 54 mph are possible within 48 hours. Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the port.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Commercial vessel operators authorized by the COTP to remain inside Sector Charleston’s harbors, and recreational boat owners, should ensure their vessels are secure at berth and will not pose a hazard to surrounding vessels, the navigable channel, or the environment. Mariners are reminded that drawbridges may not operate when sustained wind speeds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Pleasure craft are advised to 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 Yankee is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement shall be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the respective COTP.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozen of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.
Information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane can be found at the Coast Guard's Storm Center webpage.
For information on Hurricane Florence progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.
For Heavy Weather Advisory Group (HWAG) or Waterway specific questions, please contact (843) 323-7761.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston.