MIAMI: The U.S. Coast Guard has set port condition Whiskey for all ports in South Florida as of 8 a.m. Wednesday. Those ports include, PortMiami, Miami River, Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach and the Port of Fort Pierce. The condition was set because of the expectation of sustained gale force winds of 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph generated by Hurricane Irma that may arrive within 72 hours. Officials said the ports are currently open to all commercial traffic, but commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans to depart whichever port they are docked at. Those who own vessels that they wish to remain at the port must contact the Coast Guard captain of the port to receive permission and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing.
The Coast Guard said vessels bound for South Florida unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall in the area are advised to seek an alternate destination. Locals who own boats are also advised to seek safe harbor as soon as possible because drawbridges might not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. The Coast Guard said that if port condition Yankee is set, meaning sustained gale force winds are expected within 24 hours, vessel movement will be restricted, and all movements must be approved by the captain of the port.
