PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) North Carolina set Port Condition Zulu for the Port of Morehead City, Thursday, in anticipation of weather impacts due to Hurricane Arthur.
Gale Force winds (34 knots or 39 mph) are expected to reach Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 16 within 12 hours. Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor.
The Port of Morehead City is closed to all inbound and outbound traffic. No vessel may enter, depart, or transit without the permission of the COTP. All cargo and bunker handling operations must cease at this time. A safety zone has been established prohibiting vessels movement and activities unless specifically authorized by the COTP.
All commercial vessels and barges who have received permission from the COTP to remain in port must be at their mooring site in accordance with their plan.
Any vessels bound for these ports are advised to seek an alternate destination.
The Port of Wilmington remains at Modified Port Condition Whiskey.
For updated COTP information for ports in North Carolina, please visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/portDirectory.do?tabId=1&cotpId=53.
For information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/.
For information on Hurricane Arthur's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan for the storm at http://www.ready.gov/.
For additional information on the storm, visit the National Hurricane Center website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.