Story by USCGS. Photo by NOAA
Coast Guard units along the Texas coast began preparations to ensure the safety of their own crews and commercial facilities and vessels and they urge the public to do the same Monday as the storm approaches and will likely reach tropical storm status prior to landfall.
The storm is expected to create very dangerous conditions along much of the Texas coast as it brings high tides, high seas, heavy rains and potential sustained winds near 45 mph. Beach goers are asked to stay out of the water as the storm conditions begin to impact shore Monday night and Tuesday, creating a greatly enhanced risk of rip currents with rough surf conditions.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect and will be upgraded to a Gale Warning at 7 p.m. Boaters are urged to take the following precautions now:
1. Take early action to evacuate. Vessels that can be, should be hauled and trailered.
2. Remove gas/oil from outboards stow to avoid orphan containers.
3. Commercial Fishing Vessels should avoid transiting near or anchoring in security zones.
4. Finalize agreements with facility or marina owners and complete preparations, including adequate mooring arrangements well before the onset of gale force winds.
If conditions during the arrival of the tropical system limit Coast Guard and other maritime rescue agencies, the Captain of the Port will enact a safety zone throughout the Galveston Bay, Freeport, and coastal region closing the waterway to small craft operation. Stay alert for further communication from the Coast Guard and local emergency management agencies throughout the approach of the storm.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Houston/Galveston directed the immediate attainment of Port Condition X-RAY Sunday night, which carries a number of readiness requirements for entities throughout the port.
