East Coast Ports Prepare for Impact of "Frankenstorm"

Hurricane Sandy is now a super-storm threatening more than 50 million people in the most heavily populated area in the nation. According to forecasters, the enornous category 1 hurricane has gained strength-packing winds of 90 mph just hours before it is expected to make landfall.

Ports Set Condition ZULU

The Captain of the Port for New York and New Jersey established port condition ZULU for all commercial waterways. During port condition ZULU, the ports will stay closed to all incoming and outgoing vessel traffic until directed by the Captain of the Port. The northeastern U.S. ports supply 170 million U.S. and Canadian customers with cargo goods. Disruption to these ports will have a significant impact on supplies like food and oil to this region.

Owners and operators of recreational boats are asked to follow the small craft advisories from the National Weather Service, and take the necessary measures to protect the safety of their boats.

According to the deputy commander Coast Guard Sector New York, the number one priority is the safety of life at sea for mariners and responders. The sector is keeping a close watch on the waterways and beaches.

Delaware has modified port condition ZULU. The captain for Philadelphia set hurricane condition modified ZULU for all commercial waterways effective Monday in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

The Captain has advised that vessels must be firmly fixed or anchored and prepared for hurricane conditions. Any liquid cargo transfer operations must be delayed, as well.

Coast Guard small boat posts will secure operations as winds increase. Search and rescue operations will be limited until the storm passes out of the area.

The Coast Guard requests that the public visit www.nch.noaa.gov for more information.

Dozens of Cruise Ships Delayed

Hurricane Sandy has caused several cancellations and missed port of calls for cruise lines operating along the U.S. east coast and Caribbean.

The Port of New York was closed down Sunday night, delaying the scheduled arrival of the Norwegian Gem. The ship remains at sea until the Coast Guard determines is it is safe to return to port.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Sandy is expected to become an extra-tropical storm by 8:00pm EDT and may cause life-threatening floods across the mid- Atlantic coast, including Long Island and New York Harbor.