Tropical Storm Erin prompts coast guard to set port condition X-RAY for Puerto Rico and USVI

The U.S. Coast Guard has set Port Condition X-RAY for all seaports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Erin intensifies in the central Atlantic, Gcaptain reports. The order, issued by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port – San Juan at 4 p.m. Thursday, comes as the storm moves westward toward the region.

 

Ports remain open under X-RAY, but ships over 500 gross tons without clearance to stay must prepare to leave once Port Condition YANKEE is declared. Vessels unable to depart at least 24 hours before the arrival of tropical storm-force winds are advised to divert to an alternate port.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin was about 890 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands Thursday morning, packing 60 mph winds and moving at 17 mph. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen into a hurricane by Friday and pass near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend.

 

The Coast Guard is urging mariners to secure vessels, remove EPIRBs from boats left in the water, and move craft to inland marinas. Residents and visitors are also warned to avoid beaches, as dangerous surf and rip currents may develop before landfall. Swells generated by Erin could begin impacting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend, creating life-threatening conditions.

 

Picture: Ben Noll/NOAA/NESDIS