SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Captain of the Port - San Juan has directed the setting of Port Condition YANKEE for two seaports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and six seaports in Puerto Rico due to Tropical Storm Erin.
Port Condition YANKEE will be in effect at 8 p.m., Friday, for the ports of St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Port Condition YANKEE will be in effect at 8 a.m., Saturday, for the ports in the municipalities of Arecibo, San Juan, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico.
All other ports in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will remain in Port Condition X-RAY until further notice.
Ports under Port Condition YANKEE are closed to all inbound vessel traffic unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port. All oceangoing vessels, 500 gross tons and above, with an approved application from the Captain of the Port are authorized to remain in port. All oceangoing vessels, 500 gross tons and above, without an approved application from the Captain of the Port must depart the port by the time Port Condition YANKEE takes effect.
Ports and maritime facilities under Port Condition X-RAY will remain open to all commercial traffic and all transfer and cargo operations may continue while Port Condition X-RAY remains in effect.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Hurricane Erin continues to gain strength on its current west-northwest track north of the islands.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions. Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor.
The Coast Guard is advising 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 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 to 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 hurricanes. 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 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 and U.S. National Weather Service San Juan, Puerto Rico webpage.
Be informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor the storms progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
For more hurricane season preparedness tips, review our safety message for the 2025 Atlantic season here.
For the latest forecast advisories and weather updates visit the National Hurricane Center website. For hurricane readiness information, check out the resources available in multiple languages at Ready.gov and FEMA’s website.
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