Hurricane Preparedness and Heavy Weather Mooring Plan.pdf

Marine Systems Corporation, Boston, MA

Lundeberg School of Seamanship Piney Point, MD

TS FREEDOM STAR

Hurricane Preparedness and

Heavy Weather Mooring Plan

June 2016

Hurricane Preparedness and

Heavy Weather Mooring Plan

Contents

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2: HURRICANE EMERGENCY PLAN

SECTION 3: CONTACT DIRECTORY

SECTION 4: GENERAL LAY-UP MOORING PRACTICES

SECTION 5: ADVISORY DEFINITIONS

SECTION 6: NOAA HEAVY WEATHER DEFINITIONS / RESPONSES

SECTION 7: MARAD HURRICANE LEVELS OF PREPAREDNESS

SECTION 8: USCG WEATHER EVENT DEFINITIONS

APPENDICES

Section 1: Introduction

The FREEDOM STAR Heavy Weather Mooring Plan (HWMP) provides Operational

Direction, as required, for various conditions of “heavy weather” that can possibly be anticipated at the Lundeberg School of Seamanship pier in Piney Point, Maryland.

This plan shall be reviewed and updated, as required, annually prior to June 1st, the official commencement of the “Atlantic Hurricane Season.” Severe weather events other than hurricanes, such as winter Nor’easters, can occur at this mooring location.

Personnel procedures, mooring arrangements, equipment disposition, and general preparedness shall be construed as applicable to all weather events of equal severity.

Plan shall be in accordance with Captain of the Port of Baltimore Hurricane and Severe

Weather Plan for the Port of Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay and the Upper Chesapeake

Maritime Hurricane Contingency Plan.

FREEDOM STAR – Heavy Weather Mooring Plan

Section 2: Hurricane Emergency Plan

Lundeberg School of Seamanship – Hurricane Emergency Plan

USCG COTP Marine Safety Advisories

SEASONAL ALERT

CONDITION

WHISKEY

CONDITION

XRAY

CONDITION

YANKEE

CONDITION

ZULU

1 Jun. - 30 Nov.

Hurricane force winds

(64 KTS, 74 MPH)

from a hurricane are expected within 72 hours

Hurricane force winds

(64 KTS, 74 MPH)

from a hurricane are expected within 48 hours.

Hurricane force winds

(64 KTS, 74 MPH)

from a hurricane are expected within 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds

(64 KTS, 74 MPH)

from a hurricane are expected within 12 hours.

Department Heads

NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) Hurricane Advisories

1 Jun. - 30 Nov. Hurricane Watch (36 Hr. Advance Notice) Hurricane Warning (24 Hr. Advance Notice)

• Monitor USCG and NHC Advisories.

• Emergency Response Plan Prepared

• Provide updated Hurricane Plan and Emergency Call List to USCG, Sector V

• Monitor USCG and NHC Reports.

• Convene Emergency Response Plan Committee.

• Evaluate employees leave time.

• Notify USCG of vessel movement intentions.

• Monitor USCG and NHC Reports.

• Call back employees on leave (if so deemed).

• Contact contract employees for availability.

• Monitor USCG and NHC Reports.

• Notify essential employees of work requirements.

• Extend employees free-time to secure their own property (as required)

• Suspend standard cadet watches.

• Monitor USCG and NHC Reports.

• Release non-essential employees.

• Continuous Weather Observations

Training Ship

NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) Hurricane Advisories

Hurricane Watch – 36 Hr. Advance Notice

1. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to DAO.

2. Master submit Remaining In Port Checklist (if applicable)

3. Master shall release all non-essential employees.

4. Master shall continuously monitor weather conditions.

5. Bos’n to make a final inspection of all mooring lines and correct deficiencies (if any).

6. Hurricane mooring augmentation preparations initiated under this watch condition, at Master’s discretion.

7. Bos’n to make full inspection of gangway hardware.

8. Chief Engineer top off SSDG and EDG day tanks.

9. Chief Engineer to have potable water tanks topped off.

10. Bos’n to direct clearing deck of all loose gear.

11. Bos’n to direct clearing pier of ship’s equipment.

12. Bos’n to inspect dock fendering.

13. Bos’n inspect rescue boat to ensure properly secured.

14. Bos’n check inventory of flashlights, lanterns, batteries.

15. Bos’n ensure hand-held portable radios and spare batteries charged.

16. Check/set windlass brake (at sea condition).

17. At least one (1) fire warp is rigged on the bow and another on the stern. In order to expedite the establishment of an emergency tow, a portion of each fire warp should be draped overboard and allowed to hang no more than six (6) feet above the waterline.

Training Ship

NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) Hurricane Advisories

Hurricane Warning – 24 Hr. Advance Notice

1. Preceded by activities initiated for HURRICANE WATCH.

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to MARAD DAO.

3. Master shall continuously monitor weather conditions.

4. Master shall moor vessel to resist hurricane force winds (Heavy Weather Mooring Plan).

5. Vessel shall be ballasted to maximum extent possible.

6. All side ports, hatches, portholes and other openings shall be closed and secured.

7. Chief Engineer test all bilge pumps in good operating condition, ready for immediate use.

8. All firefighting equipment shall be readily available.

9. Remove permanent gangway.

10. Spare mooring lines shall be readily available on deck, forward and aft.

11. Maintain continuous radio watch by English-speaking crewmember on Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8MHZ), no less than 48 (48) hours before gale force winds from hurricane are expected.

12. Vessel shall not be nested with another vessel.

13. Lower port and starboard anchors at short stay, Master’s discretion.

14. Slack lines as deemed necessary for estimated tidal surge.

15. Master test all navigation and communications equipment.

16. Disconnect non-essential shoreside services (at Master’s discretion).

17. Dog Main Deck watertight doors (if so directed by Master).

18. At least one (1) fire warp is rigged on the bow and another on the stern. In order to expedite the establishment of an emergency tow, a portion of each fire warp should be draped overboard and allowed to hang no more than six (6) feet above the waterline.

Section 3: Contact Directory

POSITION NAME WORK PHONE CELL PHONE

Master Peter Luhn 301-994-0010 732-948-6415

Bos’n Jamie Parker 301-994-0010 240-925-6591

Chief Engineer Roy Graham 301-994-0010 540-809-5693

MARAD

Supervisory Marine Surveyor

Division of Atlantic Operations

Bill Ingram 757-322-5805 757-848-8400

MARAD

Ship Operations and Maintenance

Division of Atlantic Operations

Phil Miller 757-322-5816 757-287-8471

USCG – SECTOR V

PRIMARY

PHONE

EMERGENCY

PHONE

Captain of the Port of Baltimore 718-354-4037 718-354-4353

Section 4: General Lay-Up Mooring Practices

A. The standard permanent mooring arrangement for the FREEDOM STAR is designed to withstand all weather conditions up to and including storm force winds up to 63 KTS (73 MPH).

B. It will be standard practice for the FREEDOM STAR to remain moored at her designated lay-up berth located at Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD during heavy weather events. This berth is oriented East / West (000/000

MAG).

C. Standard practice is to moor the FREEDOM STAR starboard side to the pier heading South Southwest against polyethylene pilings in accordance with the

HWMP. She is secured with “lay-up” moorings at all times with the exception of the first 48 hours after returning from cruise, shipyard, or other deployment and the 48 hours preceding such evolutions. If heavy weather is predicted during these periods (Condition XRAY), and if the vessel will not put to sea, the vessel’s standard permanent mooring arrangement shall be deployed.

Section 5: Advisory Definitions

Each of the following heavy weather advisory formats has merit. For the purposes of this heavy weather mooring plan, USCG COTP Marine Safety Advisories determine response. When hurricane conditions are anticipated, timing is more critical than the exact wind speed indicators.

1. USCG COTP Marine Safety Advisors are based on a minimum hurricane force wind of 64 KTS (74 MPH) arriving at a particular approaching time spread.

2. NOAA Heavy Weather Definitions take into account varying predicted wind force and approaching time spread.

3. MARAD Hurricane Levels of Preparedness focus on approach time without defining wind speeds.

USCG COTP Marine Safety Advisories

(Set Wind Speed & Arrival Time Based)

A. CONDITION WHISKEY

Hurricane force winds 64 KTS (74 MPH) expected within 72 hours.

B. CONDITION XRAY

Hurricane force winds 64 KTS (74 MPH) expected within 48 hours.

C. CONDITION YANKEE

Hurricane force winds 64 KTS (74 MPH) expected within 24 hours.

D. CONDITION ZULU

Hurricane force winds 64 KTS (74 MPH) expected within 12 hours.

Section 6: NOAA Heavy Weather Definitions / Responses

A. Tropical Disturbance (Tropical Depression)

Definition: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics or sub-tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more. Winds 38 MPH (33 KTS) or less (Arrival

Time and Wind Speed Based).

Applicability to FREEDOM STAR in Home Port

The permanent mooring arrangement of the FREEDOM STAR is designed to withstand gale and storm force wind conditions.

The defined weather area shall be predicted to undergo cyclonic development with an anticipated movement towards landfall US Mid-Atlantic States and northward.

Tropical Disturbance Actions

1. Master shall establish and maintain communications with the MARAD

Surveyor and designated key personnel.

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to MARAD DAO.

3. Master shall monitor National Hurricane Center, National Weather Bureau, and USCG Notices to Mariners for weather updates, log notice information as appropriate, and shall disseminate information to key personnel. Additional information shall be monitored as it becomes available in Public Advisories, Forecast Advisories, Probabilities of Hurricane or Tropical Storm Conditions, and Hurricane Local Statements.

4. Bos’n and MARAD Surveyor shall inspect all mooring arrangements and direct correction of any deficiencies found. The vessel shall be moored in accordance with prescribed HWMP.

B. Tropical Storm Watch (also termed Extra-Tropical or Post-Tropical)

Definition: A National Weather Service (National Hurricane Center) announcement that a tropical storm poses a threat to designated coastal areas generally within 36 hours. Hurricane strength winds greater than 64 Knots (74 MPH) are NOT forecast.

Winds 39-73 MPH (34-63 KTS).

withstand gale and storm force wind conditions.

“Designated coastal areas” shall include those as defined by the National Hurricane

Center. However, the following advance preparations shall be accomplished when and if “designated coastal areas” are shown on the US Atlantic Coast north of Cape

Hatteras, NC.

Tropical Storm Watch Actions

1. Preceded by activities initiated for TROPICAL DISTURBANCE

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to MARAD DAO.

3. Master shall notify USCG COTP of preparations for a heavy weather event and determine that the USCG has all contact information that may be required in the event of power outages such as cell phones and VHF radio standby frequencies.

4. Master may assign a ship’s officer to remain aboard and monitor conditions.

5. Bos’n shall supervise a test of the anchor windlass operational status.

6. Chief Engineer shall supervise a test of the emergency generator system.

C. Tropical Storm Warning (also termed Extra-Tropical or Post-Tropical)

Definition: A National Weather Bureau or National Hurricane Center announcement that a weather system having winds with distinct rotary circulation and constant wind speed 39-73 MPH (34-63 KTS).

withstand gale and storm force wind conditions.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING shall include those areas defined by the National

Hurricane Center. However, the following advance preparations shall be accomplished when and if a TROPICAL STORM WARNING is displayed for

“designated coastal areas” that include the waters of Baltimore Harbor and

Chesapeake Bay.

Tropical Storm Warning Actions

1. Preceded by activities initiated for TROPICAL STORM WATCH

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to MARAD DAO.

D. Hurricane Watch

Definition: National Hurricane Center announcement that hurricane conditions

(sustained winds of 64 KTS, 74 MPH or higher) are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. (Approximates USCG COTP Condition WHISKEY to XRAY

Status. Approximates USCG COTP Alert Status YANKEE TO ZULU).

The FREEDOM STAR mooring arrangement must be augmented under Hurricane

Watch and Hurricane Warning conditions.

A HURRICANE WATCH shall include those areas defined by the National

Hurricane Center. However, the following advance preparations shall be accomplished when and if a HURRICANE WATCH is displayed for “designated coastal areas” that include Pamlico Sound, NC and Chesapeake Bay.

Training Ship Hurricane Watch Actions

1. Preceded by activities initiated for TROPICAL STORM WARNING.

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report the vessel’s status to DAO.

3. Master submit Remaining In Port Checklist (if applicable)

4. Master shall release all non-essential employees.

5. Master shall continuously monitor weather conditions.

6. Bos’n to make a final inspection of all mooring chains/wires and correct deficiencies (if any).

7. Hurricane mooring augmentation preparations initiated under this watch condition, at Master’s discretion.

8. Bos’n to make full inspection of gangway hardware.

9. Chief Engineer top off SSDG and EDG day tanks.

10. Chief Engineer to have potable water tanks topped off.

11. Bos’n direct clearing deck of all loose gear.

12. Bos’n direct clearing pier of ship’s equipment.

13. Bos’n inspect hardware on Yokohama fenders.

14. Bos’n inspect all lifeboats and rescue boats to ensure that they are properly secured.

15. Bos’n check inventory of flashlights, battle lanterns, batteries.

16. Bos’n ensure hand-held portable radios and spare batteries charged.

18. Set windlass brake (at sea condition).

19. At least one (1) fire warp is rigged on the bow and another on the stern. In order to expedite the establishment of an emergency tow, a portion of each fire warp should be draped overboard and allowed to hang no more than six

(6) feet above the waterline.

E. Hurricane Warning

Definition: National Hurricane Center announcement that hurricane conditions

(sustained winds of 74 MPH, 64 KTS or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Watch and Hurricane Warning conditions.

A HURRICANE WARNING shall include those areas defined by the National

Hurricane Center. However, the following advance preparations shall be accomplished when and if a HURRICANE WARNING is displayed for “designated coastal areas” that that include Pamlico Sound, NC and Chesapeake Bay (USCG

COTP Condition ZULU Status).

Training Ship Hurricane Warning Actions

1. Preceded by activities initiated for HURRICANE WATCH.

2. MARAD Marine Surveyor shall report vessel’s status to MARAD DAO.

3. Master shall continuously monitor weather conditions.

4. Master shall moor vessel according to Heavy Weather (Hurricane) Mooring

Plan to resist hurricane force winds.

5. Vessel shall be ballasted to maximum extent possible.

6. All side ports, hatches, portholes and other openings shall be closed and secured.

7. Chief Engineer to test that all bilge pumps are in good operating condition, ready for immediate use.

8. All firefighting equipment shall be readily available.

9. Remove permanent gangway

10. Spare mooring lines shall be readily available on deck, forward and aft.

11. Maintain continuous radio watch by English-speaking crewmember on

Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8MHZ), no less than 48 (48) hours before gale force winds from hurricane are expected.

12. Vessel shall not be nested with another vessel.

13. Lower port and starboard anchors at short stay, at Master’s discretion.

14. Slack mooring lines for estimated tidal surge.

15. Master test all navigation and communications equipment.

16. Disconnect non-essential shoreside services.

17. Dog Main Deck watertight doors (if so directed by Master).

18. At least one (1) fire warp is rigged on the bow and another on the stern. In order to expedite the establishment of an emergency tow, a portion of each fire warp should be draped overboard and allowed to hang no more than six

(6) feet above the waterline.

F. Extreme Wind Warning

Definition: National Hurricane Center announcement that extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 MPH, 100 KTS or greater), usually associated with the eye wall, are expected to begin within the hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Watch and Hurricane Warning conditions.

An Extreme Wind Warning is issued for a specific area of anticipated threat. All personnel on board and pier-side shall take shelter. When and if an Extreme Wind

Warning is issued, all HWMP preparations should be complete. During the evolution of an Extreme Wind Warning, it will likely be impossible and certainly highly dangerous for personnel to venture outside of secure shelter. Docking lines and wires may come under severe strain with danger of catastrophic failure. The pier apron is likely to be flooded. The air is likely to be filled with flying debris. (USCG COTP

Condition ZULU)

In “extremis” storm situation, events are likely to occur that are unexpected and outside the scope of a written document. Communication is an extremely important component of successful mitigation of damage and survivability of a vessel’s mooring system.

1. The particular mooring location of the FREEDOM STAR is well sheltered from high sea conditions. Wind exposure, particularly from the south and southeast in the case of a cyclical low passing to the west of Chesapeake Bay is a potential threat. However, a primary concern will be the storm surge likely in this scenario.

2. A cyclonic storm passing to the east will result in winds backing from NE thru

N to SW initially pushing the FREEDOM STAR off the pier and continuing to push her NE parallel to the pier face as the storm passes.

3. A cyclonic storm passing to the west historically creates winds veering from E thru SE to SW. These wind directions will initially tend to push FREEDOM

STAR onto and then parallel to the pier. Major pier flooding and unsustainable strain on any short mooring lines are distinct possibilities.

G. Winter Nor’easters

Definition: Heavy Weather Systems other than tropical or post-tropical cyclonic storms are not an unusual event in this venue. Each winter brings one or more storms, often with associated blizzard conditions and, more often than not, with winds loaded with moisture coming in from the northeast off the ocean.

Applicability to FREEDOM STAR In Home Port:

It is not unusual for a Nor’easter to create an unusually high tide the Piney Point, MD location where FREEDOM STAR is moored. Winds blowing parallel to the pier against relatively shallow raft vessel with high windage can create significant strain on mooring components.

Preparations for Northeast storm conditions should follow, in general, the sequence of events for Tropical Storm and Hurricanes detailed in the preceding sections, as required.

Section 7: MARAD Hurricane Levels of Preparedness

Preparations for the MARAD Hurricane Levels of Preparedness essentially mirror the preparations described in Section III for Tropical Depression thru Hurricane and

Extreme Wind Warnings, the categories delineated by the National Weather Bureau.

Condition Four – Alert

Definition: Threatening winds, sustained at 34 knots, are possible within 72 hours

(Arrival Time Based -- Approximates USCG COTP Condition WHISKEY)

Condition Three – Watch

Definition: Threatening Winds Are possible within 48 hours.

(Arrival Time Based -- Approximates USCG COTP Condition XRAY)

Condition Two – Warning

Definition: Threatening winds are possible within 24 hours (Arrival Time Based --

Approximates USCG COTP Condition YANKEE)

Condition One – Maximum Preparedness

Definition: Threatening winds are possible within 12 hours (Arrival Time Based --

Approximates USCG COTP Condition ZULU)

Post Hurricane Actions

Inspect for damage. Notify port authorities of conditions that are a threat to life, property, or the environment. This includes, but is not limited to, USCG, COTP, and

ABS.

Section 8: USCG Weather Event Definitions

The following definitions are partially redundant to the foregoing. However, they are included as adding value to the understanding of various terminologies associated with weather events.

Blizzard Warning

Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ¼ mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

CART (Common Assessment and Reporting Tool) A web-based system used by the

Coast Guard as a repository of Marine Transportation System Recovery information.

CART assists the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) in making

MTS Recovery recommendations to the Unified Command and facilitates MTS Recovery

Operations. CART also aids in situation reporting utilizing Essential Elements of

Information to provide status updates on the MTS and critical infrastructure.

Cyclone An atmospheric disturbance marked by masses of air rapidly circulating counter-clockwise (in the Northern Hemisphere) about a low pressure center and/or a violent rotating windstorm.

Danger-Quadrant/Dangerous Semicircle

The northeastern quadrant or right-hand semicircle of a hurricane having the highest winds/seas.

Extra-Tropical Cyclone Is the much larger scale, usually less intense, frontal cyclone of middle latitudes. These cyclones lie outside the scope of the Hurricane Warning Service -although many Tropical and a few Subtropical Cyclones adopt Extra-tropical characteristics or merge with existing Extra-tropical cyclones before dissipating, if they move sufficiently far north to encounter cold air.

Flash Flood Watch

A flash flood watch means a flash flood is possible in the area. Stay alert.

Flash Flood Warning

A flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent. Everyone in the area should take immediate action.

Floods Water

Water overflowing onto normally dry land.

Flood Tide

Rising tidal flow.

Freezing Rain

Rain that falls onto a surface that has a below freezing temperature. This causes rain to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

Gale Warning

An advisory of strong winds. The advisory is given when winds 39 to 54 miles per hour (34 to 47 knots) are forecasted or are occurring.

Hurricane

A severe tropical cyclone in which winds spiral counterclockwise around a core or "eye" of low pressure, with maximum wind velocities 74 miles per hour (64 knots) and higher.

Hurricane Eye

An area of light to calm winds with partly cloudy skies at the center of a cyclonic storm circulation. One of the criteria for upgrading a tropical depression to a tropical storm is the formation of an eye.

Hurricane Season

In the North Atlantic, a period between 1 June through 30 November.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity. When a warning is announced, it is of utmost importance that precautionary measures are taken for protection of life and property.

Hurricane Watch

An advance statement, not a warning, indicating that a hurricane is approaching and attention should be given to subsequent advisories. A hurricane watch is issued for a specified coastal area for which a hurricane or a hurricane-related hazard is a possible threat within 48 hours. Precautionary action should be taken in case hurricane warnings are forthcoming.

Inland Warning – Inland Watch – Inland Hurricane

Inland Tropical Storm Warning – Inland Tropical Storm Watch

Issued for interior counties under the same criteria as a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

Watch/Warnings.

Natural Disaster

Widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, storm, wind, wave action, oil or hazardous substance discharge or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage, volcanic activity, epidemic, air contamination, blight, drought, accident, infestation, or explosion.

Nor’easter

A low pressure disturbance forming along the South Atlantic coast of the U.S. and moving northeast along the Middle Atlantic and New England coasts to the Atlantic Provinces of

Canada. It usually causes strong northeast winds with rain or snow and coastal flooding and beach erosion. These storms are also known as Northeasters or Coastal Storms.

Post-Tropical Storm

Any system that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical cyclones can continue to carry heavy rains and strong winds.

Some post-tropical cyclones will go on to become fully extra-tropical, that is, continuing to derive their energy from the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses.

Another type of post-tropical cyclone is the "remnant low," a weak system with limited thunderstorm activity and winds of less than tropical storm strength.

Recovery

The process of returning Marine Transportation System (MTS) infrastructure (ATON, Waterways, Bridges, etc.) to a status that allows port facilities to operate and transportation to return to “near normal.” This is accomplished through activities and with resources controlled either by the Coast Guard or by agencies and industry partners with whom we have pre-established working relationships. Recovery efforts can typically be completed within 90 days of an incident.

Re-Curvature

The natural tendency of a tropical cyclone to curve to the right in the northern latitudes.

Restoration: The process of returning the Marine Transportation System to pre-incident capacity. Restoration can be a much longer-term effort and is often governed by factors well beyond port level Coast Guard control. It may require initiatives governed by regional or national level interagency policies.

Seiche

A wave that oscillates in partially or totally enclosed bodies of water from a few minutes to a few hours. A seiche is caused by seismic or atmospheric disturbances.

Sleet

Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.

SLOSH

The output of the NOAA storm surge prediction model SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland

Surges from Hurricanes).

Snow Flurries

Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.

Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.

Snow Squalls

Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.

Storm Surge

A rapid rise in the water level above the normal tide level due to the effects of high velocity winds and low barometric pressure on the water surface.

Storm Tide

The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with a storm surge.

Storm

An atmospheric disturbance manifested by strong winds accompanied by rain, snow, or other precipitation and often by thunder and lightning.

Tornado

A rotating column of air usually accompanied by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud and having a vortex several hundred yards in diameter whirling destructively at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour (261 knots). Tornadoes are rated on the

Fujita scale, a three-decade-old system of ranking their strength based on estimated wind speeds and damage. The National Weather Service revised the scale in February 2006 to align wind speeds more closely with actual damage.

The new system (Enhanced Fujita Scale – EF) went into effect February 1, 2007. EF is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. It uses three-second gusts estimated at the point of damage based on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators. These estimates vary with height and exposure.

Tornado Watch

Issued to alert the public that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued with information concerning the watch area and the length of time they are in effect.

Tornado Warning

Issued by local NWS offices to warn the public that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters, law enforcement or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and which communities are in the anticipated path of the tornado.

Tropical Depression

A tropical cyclone with a maximum surface wind speed of 38 miles per hour (33 knots) or less which is expected to increase to storm intensity

Tropical Storm

A distinct low-pressure area defined by a counterclockwise rotation and winds of 30 to 74 miles per hour (26 to 64 knots).

Tropical Storm Warning

An alert that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour (34 to 63 knots), are expected in specific areas within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Watch

A tropical storm watch is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to

73 miles per hour (34 to 63 knots), pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Wavelet

A small wave or ripple.

APPENDICES

Mooring Plans

• Pier Diagram

• Lines Table

• Pier Photos

Engineering Analysis Heavy Weather Mooring Plan

Hurricane/Severe Weather Plan, Port of Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay

Upper Chesapeake Bay Maritime Hurricane Contingency Plan