Captain of the Port sets condition Zulu for Savannah and Brunswick
Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Kendrick/USCG
Capt. Shane Loder, an exchange pilot from the Canadian Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard Lt.j.g. Scott Hyatt discuss flight plans in an HC-130J Hercules aircraft. They are flying from Elizabeth City, N.C., to the South Carolina border while their crew transmits Urgent Marine Information Broadcasts over the radio Thursday. The broadcasts are to make as many boaters as possible aware that Tropical Storm Hanna is nearby and is predicted to come their direction. Land based antennae are used also, but may not reach as far out as aircraft flying offshore. On the route south, the aircraft was flown approximately 75 miles offshore and was flown along the shoreline on the return.
Published: September 5, 2008
Updated: September 5, 2008
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Captain of the Port for Savannah and Brunswick, Ga., has established port readiness condition Zulu at 5 a.m. for the Georgia coastal area due to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Hanna.
The Port of Savannah and Brunswick, Ga., is closed to all inbound vessel traffic immediately while in this port condition; however, cruise ship traffic is not anticipated to be affected.
Additional information will be provided after post-storm port assessments are conducted. Ports will be re-opened as quickly as possible.
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.
Secure belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or sustaining damage. Trailerable 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 secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure they are not actually people 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 Hanna. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared. Area residents should prepare in advance 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 Nation Hurricane Center’s webpage.
Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hanna through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
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