The US Coast Guard has issued an alert for storm for Hawaii’s seaports, as Hurricane Lane is expected to arrive. The hurricane is expected to turn and head towards the Hawaiian Islands later this week.
Namely, the US Coast Guard Captain set port condition ‘YANKEE’ for the Big Island ports and port condition ‘X-RAY’ for Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai ports in advance of Hurricane Lane. This means that winds over 39 mph are expected within 48 hours.
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In addition, port Condition Whiskey was established for ports in Oahu, including Honolulu Harbor and Barber’s Point Harbor, and for ports on Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kauai. This means that winds over 39 mph are expected within 72 hours.
USCG urged all pleasure craft to seek sheltered waters. In addition, all ocean-going vessels and barges 200 gross tons and above, without an approved application to remain in port, should prepare to depart port before the setting of port condition ‘ZULU’, which means that high winds are expected within 12 hours.
While port conditions X-RAY and YANKEE remain in effect, port facilities will be open with restrictions.
Moreover, there will be reduced vessel traffic within the affected port, limited transportation of bulk oil and hazardous material within the port, and shore-side facilities will start to remove debris and make preparations for heavy weather.
If and when the Captain of the Port sets port condition ZULU, all activity will be suspended, and the ports will close until the storm has passed and damage assessment surveys are completed.
Boaters can track the progress of the hurricane on VHF radio channel 16. Information is also available through small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
