Coast Guard sets port condition zulu for Jax, Fernandina

Condition zulu is order to close ports

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port has set condition “zulu” for the Ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina Thursday due to the expectation of sustained gale force winds generated by Hurricane Matthew that may arrive within 12 hours.

During this port condition, the port will remain closed to all incoming and outgoing vessel traffic until directed by the captain of the port.

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Condition zulu took effect at 8 a.m.

The Coast Guard urges mariners and members of the maritime community in the path of Matthew to prepare and follow instructions from local authorities.

Matthew is anticipated to make landfall within 12 hours. Coast Guard surface units have been removed from the water or into safe harbor. Coast Guard air units will no longer fly for missions until Matthew passes.

Mariners are reminded that Coast Guard response becomes increasingly degraded as Matthew approaches. Coast Guard search and rescue operations will resume when the Matthew passes.

The port will remain closed to all incoming and outgoing vessel traffic until directed by the captain of the port during this condition.

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.
  • Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm.
  • Secure belongings. 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. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
  • Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes.  Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
  • Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center's web page.
  • Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and the internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16.

The captain of the port will adjust the port condition when the storm has passed and begin reopening to boat traffic after initial damage assessments have been completed.

Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
Information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane can be found at the Coast Guard's Storm Center website.

For information on Hurricane Matthew's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's website.

For breaking news, you can follow the Coast Guard on Twitter @USCGSoutheast.