There is a potential for an extended weather delay associated with a strong cold front bringing the potential for gale winds and associated high seas. Winds will arrive late Sunday night and persist through Monday afternoon, diminishing slowly through Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Anticipate noticeable delay for inland towing mariners as conditions deteriorate across Galveston Bay.
National Weather Service has predicted winds up to 45 kts and associated high seas. These winds and seas are predicted to slowly diminish to a Small Craft Advisory before falling below that threshold on Tuesday morning.
Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston will keep mariners informed through normal advisories. Following weather passage, Traffic Measures may be implemented to restore the Marine Transportation System while avoiding congestion and reducing risk.
During Gale Wind warnings, no bunkering/lightering alongside operations are permitted in the Bolivar Roads Anchorage. Gale Force winds may result in additional VTS restrictions on access to the Bolivar Roads Anchorage, including suspending transits for piloted vessels.
Mariners are advised to consider these weather conditions before beginning or continuing their transits. All vessels and facilities are encouraged to take preventive measures in advance of the front. Such measures may include the following:
- Safety measures should be taken to secure missile hazards, nonessential equipment, and loose gear.
- Ensure vessel moorings are adequate for the predicted winds. Mooring lines ready to be doubled up with due consideration given effects of the front.
- Vessel operators should consider the use of assist tugs for maneuvering and docking operations.
- Vessels in the Bolivar Roads Anchorage should ensure that anchor and anchoring equipment is in good working condition and standby to immediately respond to anchor dragging events.
- Continue to Monitor the National Weather Service and VTS Houston-Galveston frequencies for up-to-date forecasts.
Very respectfully,
Vessel Traffic Service
USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
(281) 464-4837 24/7 Watch Supervisor
