SANTA RITA, Guam – A U.S. Coast Guard Port Captain (COTP) has established an X-RAY instrument for heavy weather conditions in ports of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as of 10 a.m. Sunday, October 8, 2023.
COTP has upgraded the status level in preparation for Tropical Storm Bolaven.
As of 7 a.m., the National Weather Service's current forecast is that the storm will make its closest approach to Rota early Tuesday morning. Guam and the CNMI are under a hurricane and flood watch.
The U.S. Coast Guard Micronesia/Guam Sector is working proactively with port and commercial industry partners to assess and mitigate risks to the port and vessels despite the holiday weekend by reviewing severe weather plans and ensuring facilities and vessels are prepared for the storm in advance. .
Heavy Weather at Port X-RAY indicates winds greater than 39 mph are expected within 48 hours.
As the storm approaches, if necessary, COTP will direct a shift to Port Heavy Weather Condition YANKEE, meaning strong winds, faster than 39 mph, are expected during the next 24 hours. Simply put, it is a sign that bad weather will come soon.
Here's what happens when a PHWC Yankee announces:
1 – All commercial ships still present must prepare to finish loading and unloading their cargo and leave the ports of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
2. If there are ships that cannot move on their own, such as those without power, or other types of ships such as barges and dry docks that cannot go out to sea, they must quickly send a written request to COTP and have a storm exit plan.
3. Once PHWC Yankee comes into effect, all large merchant ships, those equal to or greater than 200 tons, must depart, and no more ships are allowed to enter the ports.
4. If the situation worsens, and a PHWC Zulu is declared, the ports and marinas will be completely closed to any incoming traffic, and all shipping and bunkers will cease.
Remember, these measures are in place to keep everyone safe during bad weather, minimize potential damage, and protect the port to reopen faster to resume the flow of vital trade and any necessary relief supplies.
The U.S. Coast Guard identifies extreme weather conditions in ports for the maritime and port community. They generally describe the restrictions necessary to protect lives, ships, facilities, ports and the environment from extreme weather conditions. PHCs are similar to tropical cyclone preparedness conditions, but officials don't always put them side by side.
For the latest advisory information, visit:
– National Weather Service (NWS) website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
– NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
– Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
– GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
– Joint Region of the Marianas (JRM) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam
-US Coast Guard-
