Eastern and northern ports in Puerto Rico were closed early on 27 August by the US Coast Guard (USCG) due to the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.
Ports that are affected by closure conditions, known as Port Condition Zulu, must suspend operations and are closed to all inbound and outbound vessel traffic until otherwise directed by the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Captain of the Port (COTP).
The USCG set Port Condition Yankee at 1000 hours on 27 August for the island’s southern and western ports until otherwise directed by the COTP.
Yankee port conditions allow ports to be open to only to outbound vessel traffic while commercial inbound vessels are restricted from entering the port. Vessels greater than 500 gt are to exit the port before the COPT sets Port Condition Zulu. All other vessels authorised to remain in port are to take appropriate precautionary measures to secure their vessels, the Coast Guard warned.
Following the passing of Erika through the area, Coast Guard teams will conduct port assessments prior to reopening any ports and returning to normal port operations.
The storm, which is currently on a north-westerly track, could threaten Florida between 30 and 31 August, according to weather service reports.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
