PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The captain of the port of North Carolina set port condition Zulu for the Port of Wilmington at noon Wednesday due to predicted sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Idalia that may arrive within the next 12 hours.
In port condition Zulu, the port is closed, and all port operations are suspended.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as Idalia approaches.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Maritime and port facilities are reminded to review and update their heavy weather response plans and make any additional preparations needed to adequately prepare in case of a potential impact to the area.
The public should continue monitoring the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
“Due to hazardous maritime conditions, our capabilities may be limited during or immediately after the storm,” said Capt. Tim List, the captain of the port of North Carolina. “Once storm conditions subside, the Coast Guard will quickly work to restore full search and rescue capabilities. We highly discourage people from entering the water, including to surf, until conditions are safe. In addition to heavy, dangerous swells there may be life-threatening rip currents during and following the storm.”
For tips on rip current safety and how to escape a rip current, go to Rip Current Safety | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov).
For the most current information on port condition updates in North Carolina visit https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/north-carolina.
More weather information on Hurricane Idalia’s progress can be found at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.