BALTIMORE — The captain of the port for Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region set port condition modified Zulu for the Port of Baltimore at 10 p.m. Friday in anticipation of expected gale-force and storm-force winds within 24 hours due to Tropical Storm Ophelia.
The Port of Baltimore is ceasing all vessel movements on the Chesapeake Bay south of the Bay Bridges.
Other than vessels designated by the captain of the port, no vessels may enter, transit, or move, within the closed area.
Vessels at anchor shall remain at anchor.
This restriction is expected to be lifted after the storm and gale-force winds subside.
Sector Maryland-NCR is coordinating closely with Coast Guard Sector Virginia and will continue to publicize any changes that affect traffic entering or transiting the Chesapeake Bay.
Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.
Mariners are advised to monitor tropical storm activity on the National Hurricane Center website, as well as available national, local, and weather media outlets.
More weather information on Tropical Storm Ophelia progress can be found at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
Questions regarding Baltimore's port condition should be directed to the Coast Guard Sector Maryland-NCR Waterways Management staff at 410-576-2595 or 2519, or via email at D05-DG-SectorMD-NCR-Prevention-WWM@uscg.mil.