Tropical Storm Bertha Update

    As Tropical Storm Bertha approached New Orleans, the U.S. Coast Guard activated storm preparations. Bertha was described as “crawling” along the Gulf Coast westward from the Florida Panhandle through Texas, bringing heavy rains and storm surge in its wake.

    On July 20 the Coast Guard activated Port Condition Whiskey and Modified Port Condition X-Ray for New Orleans. Port Condition Whiskey is declared when gale-force winds are expected to make landfall within 72 hours. During this phase, ports remain open to all commercial traffic and transfer operations can continue, but vessels must exercise due diligence and pleasure craft should seek safe harbor.

    Port Condition X-Ray is declared when gale-force winds are predicted within 48 hours. Ports remain open, but all facilities and vessels must remove potential flying debris, secure loose cargo, and prepare additional anchors.

    The Coast Guard ordered barges and boats to move out of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal ahead of Bertha’s landfall.

    The Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) for the canals adjoining the Mississippi River was made active. Vessels were not permitted to remain in the RNA beginning 24 hours before the predicted closure.

    Vessels were instructed to monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for emergency broadcasts, marine weather, and Coast Guard updates, and to follow local weather media and the National Weather Service for the latest forecasts.

    Bertha was expected to dissipate as it hit the Texas coast. The Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association participated in a Port Coordination Team call with Coast Guard sector Houston-Galveston at 9 a.m. on July 21. Captains of the Port in Houston-Galveston and Port Arthur did not anticipate increasing Port Conditions at this time for TS BERTHA.  GICA said it would monitor and provide updates to membership as needed.