CG 5th District: Coast Guard urges preparation for Hurricane Earl

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is urging mariners to heed warnings as Hurricane
Earl is expected to affect the mid-Atlantic region between North Carolina and New Jersey Thursday and Friday.

As Earl approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to be mindful of the following safety messages:

– Anticipate bridge closures. Mariners are advised that during strong storms drawbridges along the coast may deviate from the normal operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed upon the approach of gale force winds or higher as stated in the Code of Federal Regulations 117.35, which applies to \”natural disasters or civil disorders.\” Mariners should anticipate bridge closures by listening to the National Weather Service and Coast Guard broadcasts on the storm conditions.

– Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities are degraded as