Coast Guard Sets Port Conditions as Northern Florida Prepares for Tropical Storm Milton

Photo byUnited States Coast Guard

The Coast Guard warns mariners to prepare as Tropical Storm Milton approaches, setting port condition Whiskey for Jacksonville, Fernandina, and Canaveral.

Northern Florida Ports Brace for Impact of Tropical Storm Milton

As Tropical Storm Milton approaches the Florida coastline, the U.S. Coast Guard has set Port Condition Whiskey for the ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina, and Canaveral. The warning is issued in anticipation of sustained tropical storm-force winds expected to arrive within the next 24 to 48 hours. The Coast Guard has advised mariners to prepare and take action to secure vessels or depart the area.

Under Port Condition Whiskey, all ports and facilities remain open to commercial traffic, but vessels over 500 gross tons are urged to leave the area to avoid damage. Those planning to stay must obtain special permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) and submit a detailed mooring plan.

Urgent Preparations and Safety Measures

The Coast Guard is urging both commercial and recreational boaters to take the following safety measures:

• No safe havens: Mariners should be aware that there are no safe ports in these areas. Ports are considered safest when they are not congested with vessels.
• Plan ahead: Bridges in the region will lock down about eight hours before the arrival of gale-force winds (over 39 mph) and will not open again until after the storm passes. Mariners should evacuate early to avoid being trapped.
• Stay off the water: The Coast Guard warns that its search and rescue capabilities diminish as storm conditions worsen, meaning help may be delayed if needed.

Preparing Vessels and Evacuations

All pleasure craft owners are advised to seek safe harbor. For owners of large vessels, the Coast Guard recommends moving to inland marinas. Trailerable boats should be removed from the water to avoid potential damage, and all safety gear should be securely stored to prevent it from breaking free and causing confusion or diverting emergency resources.

The Coast Guard also emphasized that residents should stay off beaches as wave heights and rip currents increase significantly before a storm’s landfall, posing severe dangers even for strong swimmers.

What Happens If Port Condition Yankee is Declared

If Tropical Storm Milton strengthens, the Coast Guard may set Port Condition Yankee, meaning sustained winds of over 39 mph are expected within 24 hours. At that point, vessel movement will be restricted, and all movements will require COTP approval.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Residents in northern Florida are urged to monitor the storm’s progress closely through local media and the National Hurricane Center’s website. Boaters can also track storm updates via VHF radio channel 16, which will provide information on small craft advisories and local conditions.

For breaking news and safety updates, follow Sector Jacksonville on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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