Coast Guard Prepares for Hurricane Isabel
Coast Guard units along the Atlantic coast are making preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Isabel and are warning mariners to seek safe haven. Coast Guard Hurricane Condition Four has been set meaning Hurricane force-winds are expected to reach the area within 72 hours. Coast Guard Communication centers throughout the mid-Atlantic are broadcasting urgent notices to mariners warning them of the impending storm and advising mariners to make heavy weather preparations on their vessels. Coast Guard search and rescue capabilities may not be available immediately prior to, during and immediately after the storm passes; so mariners are warned to take early action to ensure their safety. Boaters are advised to monitor VHF-FM channel 16 and the National Weather Service.
Coast Guard Urges Mariners to Monitor Tropical Storm
Coast Guard personnel along the mid-Atlantic coast are strongly urging all mariners to closely monitor Tropical Storm Beryl as it is expected to make its way north over the next few days. According to current weather predictions, Beryl is expected to continue on a northerly track, paralleling the East Coast over the next 24-36 hours. This path will minimize the impacts on the Mid-Atlantic coast. Look for increased surf and a threat of rip currents from North Carolina northward to New Jersey. With Beryl's center remaining well off the coast, rain and wind should not be a factor. By Friday, Beryl will be making a northeastward turn, but could bring some rain and gusty winds to southeastern New England.
