Coast Guard to discuss Hurricane preparations in Portsmouth, VA

Media Availability

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic Contact: 5th District Public Affairs Office: (757) 398-6272 After Hours: (757) 295-8435 5th District online newsroom

Coast Guard to discuss Hurricane preparations in Portsmouth, VA

WHO: Rear Adm. Keith Smith District commander for the Coast Guard’s 5th District, 

WHAT: Discuss Coast Guard preparations and public best practices

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Headquarters, 431 Crawford St. Portsmouth, VA 23704.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Members of the media are invited to U.S. Coast Guard’s Fifth District Headquarters on Monday, as the command discusses preparations the service is taking and how the public can be better prepared for Tropical Storm Isaias’s impact in the area. Coast Guard personnel are also available during the day via teleconference.

The Coast Guard and its partners stand ready to conduct search and rescue efforts and respond to those in need. Our immediate pre-storm activities are focused on saving the lives of those in distress, reopening the ports to foster the flow of commerce and facilitate recovery operations, and assessing and mitigating environmental threats or damage from pollution.

As Tropical Storm Isaias moves through the mid-Atlantic area there are risks for heavy rainfall through the evening and into Tuesday. Isaias will potentially bring wind gusts of 50 mph or greater as well as a flash flood risk. The Coast Guard’s ability to conduct rescues may be diminished or non-existent leading up to, during, and following the storm. Mariners and those living and working near waterways must be prepared, stay informed and heed storm warnings. A significant impact could also affect port operations.

All boaters and members of the public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and internet as Tropical Storm Michael approaches. Boaters can monitor its progress and be apprised of small craft advisories and warnings by monitoring VHF marine radio channel 16.

Adverse weather effects generated by a tropical storm can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. Recreational boaters and commercial vessels outside of the direct path of the storm are advised to be aware of weather conditions and to take appropriate precautions to stay safe.

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. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
• Be prepared. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to 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 remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards should also be stored indoors. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress..
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the hurricane through local television, radio, and the 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.

For information on hurricane status, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

Please contact the Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs office by phone (757) 295-8435 to RSVP.

 

-USCG-