Clearwater, Fla. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for St. Petersburg (COTP) set Port Condition Whiskey for the Ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Seaport Manatee, and Ft. Myers, Saturday, at 1:00 p.m., due to the expectation of sustained winds greater than 39 mph generated from Tropical Storm Milton that may arrive within 72 hours.
These ports and facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect. Sustained winds greater than 39 mph are possible within 72 hours. Mariners are reminded there aren't safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum.
All ocean-going vessels 500 gross tons and above should make plans for departing the port.
Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the COTP to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for South Florida unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Pleasure crafts 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 X-Ray is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 48 hours, all regulated facilities are required to submit a Facility Readiness Survey to the captain of the port before port condition Yankee is set.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
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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 pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove EPIRBs and to 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.
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Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, 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.
For information on Tropical Storm Milton’s progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.
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