Sector Key West Changes Port Conditions
Effective 6 p.m. Saturday, Hurricane Condition X-RAY (sustained Gale Force winds from a hurricane force storm are predicted within 48 hours) is set for the Port of Key West, Fla.
Due to mandatory evacuations, the last scheduled lift for the Jew Fish Creek and Snakefish Creek Bridges on U.S. 1 in was at 8 a.m. Sunday. Boaters must take proper measures to navigate either of these bridges prior to them being locked in the down position. Based on weather conditions, bridge closures are subject to change and boaters should monitor VHF Channel 16 for any changes.
The is open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue during this port condition. All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross-tons are to make plans for departing the port area. Vessels desiring to remain in port must immediately contact the captain of the port to receive permission to do so, and they are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for this port, which are unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds making landfall, are advised to seek an alternate destination.
Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plan and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.