Date: September 10, 2006

Contact: Coast Guard Public Affairs
(617) 223-8515

Coast Guard Prepares for Severe Weather

BOSTON - With the approach of Hurricane Florence toward the Northeast Coast, the Coast Guard strongly urges the maritime community and boating public to monitor the weather and take action to protect themselves.

The Coast Guard anticipates weather to become severe beginning tonight and extending into Wednesday morning. The maritime region south of New England and east of Cape Cod is anticipated to have seas as high as 16 to 24 feet, winds are expected to reach 30 to 40 knots. North of Cape Cod and into the Gulf of Maine seas are expected to reach 5 to 8 feet, with winds 15 to 20 knots. A small craft advisory will be in effect beginning 8 am this Monday morning and extending through late Monday night.

The National Weather Service's hurricane tracking information and weather predictions are available at: http://nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml. Mariners are urged to keep their vessel secured for the pending severe weather as appropriate. High seas, heavy rains, and damaging winds that accompany severe coastal weather may present serious dangers to mariners and coastal communities. Assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies may be degraded or unavailable immediately before, during and after severe weather.

The adverse weather effects generated by hurricanes can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. Even those who fall outside the direct path of the storm should be cognizant of these dangerous weather conditions. Some tips from the Coast Guard on preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane are:

Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat to "ride out" the storm.

Contact local marinas to ask for advice on securing your vessel.

Take action now. Advance storm effects can prevent safe preparation.

Check with local authorities before entering any storm damaged area.

Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water.

Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance.