BALTIMORE, MD – Gale-force winds expected from Tropical Storm 16 have prompted the Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region to set port condition Yankee for the Chesapeake Bay area as of 10 p.m. Thursday.
The port currently remains operational. However, officials plan to switch to a modified port condition Zulu, halting all vessel activity south of the Bay Bridge, at 10 p.m. Friday. The restriction will stay in place until the storm and associated winds pass.
Areas affected include the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Eastern Shore, and other coastal regions. These areas are predicted to face storm and gale-force winds, heavy seas, storm surge, and tidal flooding.
Coordination is ongoing between Sector Maryland-NCR and Coast Guard Sector Virginia to update traffic rules for vessels entering or transiting the Chesapeake Bay. Mariners and related entities are advised to prepare for the storm by consulting their heavy weather plans and checklists.
Mariners are also advised to monitor updates on the National Hurricane Center website and other weather-related media outlets. They should consider altering plans to avoid hazardous conditions and secure their vessels against severe winds and waves.