Heavy weather conditions increased again at ports by US Coast Guard as Tropical Storm Lala approaches

Another increase to port heavy weather conditions is scheduled today for all commercial ports of the Big Island as well as Maui and Kaua‘i counties and City and County of Honolulu because of Tropical Storm Lala.

Ports captain at 8 a.m. today made the following changes:

• Hawai‘i County: Now at condition Yankee, will change to condition Zulu.
• Maui County: Now at condition X-ray, will change to condition Yankee.
• City and County of Honolulu: Now at condition X-ray, will change to condition Yankee.
• Kaua‘i County: Now at condition Whiskey, will change to condition X-ray.

Operators of vessels 200 gross tons and heavier should plan to depart port now to minimize risk.

Ports captain could direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port. Vessels that request to remain in port must receive written permission from the port captain and Hawai’i Department of Transportation Harbors Division.

Requests received after a change to condition X-ray might not be considered.

Send requests immediately via email at D14-DG-SH-SecHonoMTSRU@uscg.mil and the correct state Harbors Division email, which can be found online.

During heavy weather condition Zulu, put into effect when tropical storm force winds — between 39 and 73 mph — are expected within 12 hours.

At port condition Zulu:

• Port is closed.
• All cargo operations in affected ports are prohibited.
• All pleasure craft shoulld seek sheltered waters.
• No terminal, facility or vessel operations are permitted within the port unless specifically approved by ports captain.
• All vessels remaining in port will continue to monitor their vessel and appropriately and safely attend to their vessels to preserve it and port facilities.

Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected within 24 hours during condition Yankee. Incoming traffic is prohibited without specific approval. Cargo operations must also cease within the 12 hours and lightering and bunkering must cease.

Port facilities during condition X-ray are open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations can continue. Sustained tropical storm force winds are predicted within 48 hours, and all vessels should prepare to complete cargo operations and depart port within 36 hours.

Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands should seek sheltered waters and anticipate additional restrictions and possible port closures as weather conditions progress.

Ports captain could restrict operations or deny port entry for vessels transporting oil or certain hazardous materials.

U.S. Coast Guard advises the public about the following important safety messages:

• Stay off the water. Coast Guard search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen, meaning help could be delayed.
• Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
• Secure belongings.
• Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place not prone to flooding.
• Those leaving their boats in the water are reminded to double up all lines, update their beacon’s registration and secure all devices safely to their vessel prior to a major storm.
• Ensure life rings, life jackets, paddlecraft and small boats are secured.
• Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms and hurricanes.
• Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement say the water is safe.
• Monitor the progress and strength of a storm through local television, radio and the internet. Mariners should monitor VHF-FM Channels 16 and 22A for broadcast notices and watch for updates via email.
• Monitor the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center website for up-to-date port status information.

Contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit via email at d14-dg-sh-sechono-mtsru@uscg.mil or call Sector Honolulu Command Center at 1-800-552-6458 for additional information.