Monday, October 29, 2012

Top Story

NY and NJ ports close, others on East Coast batten down for Sandy

Hurricane Sandy is making its way up the East Coast. From North Carolina to Rhode Island, forecasters said Sandy may trigger a "super storm" that could cause massive flooding, power outages and possible snowstorms, according to CNN.

"It could be bad," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Steven Rattior, "or it could be devastation."

Officials on the Eastern Seaboard have urged coastal residents to evacuate.

Effective at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning, the Port of New York and New Jersey has been closed to all vessel traffic due to Hurricane Sandy, according to the Wall Street Journal. Condition ZULU was declared for all commercial waterways, which means sustained 54 mph gale force winds from a hurricane are predicted within 12 hours. Mariners are ordered to stay off the water.

"Coast Guard Sector New York's number one priority is the safety of life at sea for mariners and our first responders," said Capt. Gregory Hitchen, deputy commander Coast Guard Sector New York. "We're working closely with our port partners to keep a close watch on the waterways and beaches."

The Captain of the Port of Baltimore set port condition Yankee for all commercial waterways in the upper Chesapeake Bay Saturday evening, according to the Coast Guard. Yankee means that gale force winds are possible within 24 hours.

The Port of Baltimore is closed to all inbound traffic. Vessels bound for this port shall seek an alternative destination. All cargo and bunker handling operations shall cease upon the setting of port condition Zulu.

In Connecticut, there is a statewide truck ban on Monday, and all state highways will be closed after 1:00 p.m.

"This is the most catastrophic event that we have faced and been able to plan for in any of our lifetimes," Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy said.

Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's site to stay informed and for tips to prepare and plan. Visit the National Weather Service webpage at www.nws.noaa.gov

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