Port condition X-Ray set for North Carolina

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set hurricane condition X-ray at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Port of Hampton Roads Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

Hurricane condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours.

During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local state and federal levels and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts Hampton Roads.

Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for North Carolina on the Coast Guard’s Web site: http://homeport.uscg.mil