U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore

HEAVY WEATHER PLAN REVIEW2009

Welcome and Introductions

Opening Comments by

Captain Brian KelleySector Baltimore / USCG Incident

Commander / COTP

Facilitator

LT Bryan Naranjo

Administrative

• Welcome & Introductions

• Sign In

• Cell phones

• Restrooms

• Emergency Exits

• Refreshments

• Feedback Forms

Purpose

The purpose of this Workshop is to provide

a venue to discuss the Upper Chesapeake

Bay Maritime Hurricane Contingency Plan.

• Improve interagency coordination

• Increase knowledge of authorities and

roles

• Identify requirements or conflicts with in

the Port of Baltimore community.

• Suggestions to improve our plan

Agenda

• Storms 101 / Upcoming Hurricane Season overview

• Upper Chesapeake Bay Maritime Hurricane Contingency Plan

• General Plan Info

• Unified Command Structure

• Evacuation/ Asset Relocation Plan

• Port Conditions

• Port Actions / Checklists

• Port Partner Open Discussion

Hurricanes

National Weather Service

Baltimore-Washington Forecast Office

Hurricane Katrina

Water Vapor Image

28 August 2005 1815z

Christopher StrongWarning Coordination

Meteorologist

Tropical Cyclone

Development

• Water Temperature 80+ °F

• Light Winds through all levels of the

Troposphere – Little shear

• A Disturbance that initiates the

thunderstorm activity

Ingredients needed:

Tropical Cyclone

Development

Stages Sustained Winds

Tropical Wave No organized winds

Tropical Depression 20 to 38 mph

Tropical Storm 39 to 73 mph

Hurricane/Typhoon 74 mph or higher

Saffir Simpson Scale

Cat Winds (mph) Pressure Damage

1 74 to 95 28.94 Minimal

2 96 to 110 28.50 - 28.91 Moderate

3 111 to 130 27.91 - 28.47 Extensive

4 131 to 155 27.17 - 27.88 Extreme

5 156 + 27.16 or less Catastrophic

What Kills a Hurricane?

• Water temperatures below 80°F

• Strong winds aloft

– Jet stream

– Wind shear

• Interaction with Land

Weakening Upon Landfall

The Naming of Hurricanes

• Named when winds reach tropical storm strength (39 mph or higher)

• First named early this century by Australian Forecasters

• Both male and female names were used beginning in 1978. List repeats in 6yrs.

• Names are retired when a storm causes significant damage or death

• WMO chooses names every year to replace ‘retired’ names

2009 Hurricane Names

AnaBill

ClaudetteDannyErikaFred

GraceHenri

IdaJoaquin

KateLarryMindy

NicholasOdettePeter

RoseSam

TeresaVictorWanda

Hurricane Hazards

• Coastal Storm Surge

• Inland Flooding

• High Winds

• Tornadoes

Storm Surge

DEFINITION - The ABNORMAL rise in water level caused by wind and pressure forces in

a hurricane.

Storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

Power of

the Storm

Surge

Katrina

2005

More Representative

for the Bay and Potomac

Annapolis

Baltimore

Inland Flooding

Widespread torrential rains, often in excess of a foot, can produce deadly and destructive flooding that lasts

well after the hurricane winds have diminished.

Flooding is the greatest threat to life and propertyover inland areas.

Hurricane Agnes, only a category one storm, produced record rainfall over the NE U.S. killing 122 people and

causing 6.4 billion dollars in damage.

Tropical Storm Floyd

Flash Flooding

• 5 inches of rain can

fall in one hour

• Small streams and

street-side drains

are quickly

overwhelmed

• 50% of Flash Flood

deaths are people

who attempt to drive

through water

flowing across a

road

Rockville 1975

Photos by Steve Eisen

Rainfall Totals from Fran

Hurricane force winds, 74 mph or higher can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile

homes.

Debris such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside, become flying missiles in

hurricanes.

Fast moving hurricanes maintain strength farther inland. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo battered

Charlotte, NC with gusts to 100 mph causing massive damage.

High Winds

• Hurricane Floyd 1999

– Thousands of downed trees caused

widespread power outages, blocked roads,

and damaged buildings

– Overturned tractor-trailer on Chesapeake

Bay Bridge early in storm’s intensification

stopping traffic on the bridge during peak

wind gusts (70 to 80 mph)

High Winds

• Hurricane Isabel 2003

– Thousands of trees fell in MD/VA/DC

– Caused widespread and long lasting

power outages, blocked roads, and

damaged buildings

High Winds

As a tropical cyclone makes landfall and begins to decay, the winds at the surface die off quicker that

the winds just above the surface. This produces vertical wind shear, especially on the tropical cyclone’sright side (left side in the southern hemisphere). This

vertical wind shear can result in tornadoes.

Tornadoes

The Virginia/Maryland region is more prone to tornadoes spawned from

hurricanes and their remnants than anywhere else in the country.

Tornadoes from Ivan 2004

Worst local tornado outbreak in recent history

Hurricane Hazards

• Coastal Storm Surge

• Inland Flooding

• High Winds

• Tornadoes

Frequency of North Atlantic

Tropical Cyclones

Maximum Minimum

Tropical Storms / Hurricanes 28 (2005) 1 (1914)

Hurricanes 15 (2005) 0 (1907, 1914)

US Landfall Hurricanes 8 (1916, 1985) 0 (last in 1994)

US Landfall Intense Hurricanes

3 (1909, 1933, 1954, 2004, 2005)

0 (last in 1994)

What to expect this year ??But an active year does not mean an active year for us!

IT ONLY TAKES ONE!

Maryland Tropical Cyclones

• Remnant of a weakened Tropical

System 1 to 2 on average per year

• Tropical Storm passing near

Baltimore every 5 years

• Hurricane passing near Baltimore

every 50 years

Time of Year Storm

Month Occurrence Month Occurrence

May 1.6 % September 33.9 %

June 10.6 % October 19.5 %

July 9.8 % November 0.8 %

August 23.0 % December 0.8 %

For storm affecting the Maryland/Virginia Area

NWS Terminology

• WARNING means that the threat is imminent or occurring in the warning area. Action needed!

• WATCH means KEEP A WATCH OUT. Conditions are favorable for the potential hazard to occur. Stay tuned for updates. Action may be needed soon.

• OUTLOOK possible concerns in the next several days.

Watch versus Warning

Advisories are low-end WARNINGS

Winter Wx Adv, Coastal Flood Adv, etc.

NWS Terminology

• WARNING means that the Hurricane or Tropical Storm threat is less than 24 hours away and is likely to hit your area. Action needed!

• WATCH means KEEP A WATCH OUT. The Hurricane or Tropical Storm threat is 1 to 2 days away. It may hit your area. Stay tuned for updates. Action may be needed soon.

Watch versus Warning

Thank You!

Christopher Strong

Warning Coordination Meteorologist

National Weather Service

Baltimore-Washington Forecast Office

christopher.strong@noaa.gov

Hurricane Katrina

Water Vapor Image

28 August 2005 1815z

Back to the Upper Chesapeake Maritime Heavy Wx Plan

Where can I find it?

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are you on the distribution list ?

COTP deemed this plan is applicable to all waterfront facilities, marinas, and

vessels within the COTP Baltimore Zone defined in Title 33, Code of Federal

Regulations, Part 3.25-15.

Applicability and Purpose of the Plan

33, Code of Federal Regulations, mandate that Coast Guard Captains of

the Port (COTP) take the lead in ensuring the safety of ports.

The purpose of this plan is to:

A. Advise the maritime community of the sequence and timing of COTP decisions and actions during periods when the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Port of Baltimore are threatened by a hurricane; and,

B. Recommend actions that should be taken by vessels and waterfront facilities to minimize storm related deaths, injuries, pollution, and property damage.

Applicability and Purpose of the Plan

****Disclaimer ****

Incoming and outgoing vessel traffic may also be controlled by

the COTP HamptonRoads, Virginia at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and the COTP

Philadelphia,Pennsylvania at the Chesapeake

and Delaware Canal.

Why do we need a plan ?

Example: Hurricane Isabel

Birth of Hurricane Isabel

Example: Hurricane Isabel

June

NovemberOctoberSeptember

July August

Typical Storm……

LikelyMore LikelyMost Likely

Prevailing Tracks

Legend

Landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) on

September 18

Isabel

TROPICAL STORM REVIEW

Isabel Simulation

Example: Hurricane Isabel

Fells Point – Hurricane Isabel

How does the Sector Respond?

In order to manage expectations and manage the response a Incident management team (IMT) will be activated at Sector Baltimore.

Incident Command System

Incident Command System

All Hazards Response

Marine OPS Branch

OPS WatchSARAir Ops Branch

OPS Planning

Resources

Documentation

Situation

IC / COTP / UC

Public Information Officer

Safety Officer Intel Sector CC

Command Staff

Logistics

JFHQ -NCR

Liaisons

DC EMAothers

as needed

Staging Areas

Finance / Admin

MEMA

CG D5

Shore sideOPS Branch

MTRU

Incident Command System

Hurricane Specific ICS Task forces

Port Safety and Security Task Force • Visit Port facilities• Provide guidance for preparing for severe weather• Initiate COTP orders• Possibly facilitate shut down hazard material Xfers• Identify missing / damaged aids to navigation • Assist in recovery

Incident Command System

Hurricane Specific ICS Task forces

Marine Environmental Response Task Force

• Conduct shoreline and off shore surveys

• Response to debris – floating oil and hazard materials

• Identify missing / damaged aids to navigation

Incident Command System

Hurricane Specific ICS Positions

Vessel Movement Control Group • Vessels of Interest Boardings• Port State Control Boardings• Notification of vessel operators

• COTP orders if necessary • Departure approval• Anchorage approval• Mooring arrangements• Shutting down hazardous material xfers

• Identify missing / damaged aids to navigation

Incident Command System

Coast Guard Operational Brief Before Hurricane Ike landfall

Pre-Hurricane

Mission Objectives…

•Complete all Hurricane Condition __ items, IAW Sector

Baltimore Severe Weather Response plan and applicable

annexes.

•Stand Up ICS and maintain span of control essential to

complete required tasking.

•Assess all risks and vulnerabilities identified in the Port and

Area Contingency Plans.

•Maintain waterways and minimize disruption of port and

waterways activities, when so ordered by the IC.

…Pre-Hurricane

Mission Objectives

•Ensure maritime community is aware of NWS advisories

and has set proper maritime conditions.

•Evacuate and relocate personnel and assets as needed

Hurricane Mission Objectives

• Maintain ICS.

• Ensure Personnel and Assets Remain

Safe.

• Maintain comms and liaise with local,

state, and other assets.

After the Storm!!!

Mission Priorities

(according to precedence)

• Safety of Life

• SAR

• Waterways

• Pollution Incidents

• Reconstitute CG Assets

• Provide Timely/accurate info to customers

Sector Baltimore

STA Washington

STA Stillpond

STA Chrisfield

ANT Potomac

STA Oxford

STA Curtis BayANT Baltimore

STA Annapolis

ANT Chrisfield

STA St. Inigoes

Evacuation of Sector Baltimore Units

Any evacuation shall be carried out IAW the Sector Baltimore’s Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP)

and Local Emergency Broadcasts

In general nonessential Coast Guard Personnel are evacuated shortly before the storm and are

required to return immediately after the storm passes (storm passed when winds below 65mph)

Sector Baltimore’s Posture

Sector Baltimore

Sector Baltimore will not normally need to evacuate Building 70 (based on building construction and height above MHW –May have to evacuate for category 5 storm)

Sector Baltimore’s Posture

Stations and ANTs

STA Annapolis – 10ft above MHW – Subject to flooding at Category 3 storm

STA / ANT Chrisfield – 6ft above MHW – Subject to flooding at Category 2 storm

STA Curtis Bay / ANT Baltimore – 6ft above MHW –Subject to flooding at Category 2 storm

STA Stillpond (sm) – 6ft above MHW - Subject to flooding at Category 2 storm

Sector Baltimore’s Posture

Stations and ANTs cont…

STA St Inigoes / ANT Potomac – Main buildings 17ft above MHW but maintenance building and fuel farm at 7ft above MHW – Subject to flooding at Category 2 storm

STA Washington – 8-10ft above MHW

Sector Baltimore’s Posture

Sector Baltimore’s Posture

Vessels

All Vessels will be needed for recovery, waterway management, emergency response and assistance

operation immediately after the severe weather passes.

If necessary boats should be moved to locations where impacts from wind and flooding will be minimized.

STA Galveston after IKE

HURRICANE CONDITION VS.

PORT CONDITION

VS.

Hurricane-force winds can extend outward toabout 25 miles from the storm center of a small hurricane and

to more than 150 miles for a large one.

The area over which Gale force winds occur is even greater , ranging as far out as almost 300 miles

from the eye of a large hurricane.

HURRICANE CONDITION = Hurricane Force winds in AOR

VS. PORT CONDITION =

Gale force winds in AOR

Storm Classification

TYPE CAT WINDS

(MPH)

SURGE

Gale 39- 54

Trop storm 39 - 73

Hurricane 1 74 - 95 4 - 5 Feet

Hurricane 2 96 - 110 6 - 8 Feet

Hurricane 3 111 - 130 9 – 12 Ft

Hurricane 4 131 - 150 13-18 Ft

Hurricane 5 >150 > 18 Feet

Communications

The COTP will make information about changes in Port Maritime Conditions available to the maritime community in

four ways:

The Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland Pilot’s Association will be telephoned individually every time there is a change in Maritime Hurricane Conditions.

Vessels will be notified through a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNTM). Hurricane BNTMs will be broadcast on VHF-FM Channels 16 (156.800 MHz) and 22a (157.100

MHz).

State and local response agencies will be notified through a broadcast on the state mutual aid radio.

A regularly updated, recorded telephone message will identify the Port Maritime Hurricane Condition currently set and the time it was established. The recorded message will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (410)

576-2682.

Communications

Condition FIVE Seasonal Alert the Annual Hurricane Season

from 1 June through 30 November.

Condition FOUR The alert condition set when hurricane force

winds are possible within 72 hours.

Condition THREE The readiness condition set when hurricane

force winds are possible within 48 hours.

Condition TWO The warning condition set when hurricane force

winds are possible within 24 hours.

Condition ONE The danger condition set when hurricane force

winds are possible within 12 hours and until the

storm has passed and is no longer a threat.

HURRICANE CONDITIONS

PORT CONDITIONS…

WHISKEY1. Gale force winds expected to arrive at the port within 72 hours.

2. Port Status: open to all commercial traffic.

3. Establish Safety Zone requiring:

a. All self propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 GT and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs to report their intention to depart or remain in port.

b. All self-propelled oceangoing vessels over 500 GT and all oceangoing barges and their supporting tugs remaining in port to complete a REMAINING I/P CHECKLIST and submit to the COTP within 24 hours for approval.

4. Advise port of intentions for setting next port condition (X-RAY).

WHISKEY

5. CG will consult with representatives of the Maryland Port

Administration, Maryland Pilot’s Association, shipping agents, and other

stakeholders in the port to identify and address concerns over port

status, activities, and emergency preparations.

6. CG will Coordinate with the Maryland Pilot’s Association regarding

capacity and condition of designated emergency anchorages.

7. CG will commence increased harbor patrols and advise vessel and

facility operators of any conditions that require correction.

PORT CONDITIONS…

X-RAY

1. Gale force winds expected to arrive at the port within 48 hours.

2. Port status: open to all commercial traffic

3. All REMAINING I/P CHECKLISTS submitted to the COTP for approval.

4. Individually assess vessels desiring to remain in port, issue COTP Orders as appropriate.

5. Advise port of intentions for setting next port condition (YANKEE) including degree of vessel control.

PORT CONDITIONS…

X-RAY

6. Sector Baltimore will activate a “Crisis Action Center” (CAC) to coordinate Coast Guard and port preparedness actions. The Sector Baltimore CAC can be reached at (410) 576-2699 when activated (if no answer, call 576-2693).

7. Continue contacting waterfront facilities to determine the intentions of the facility and any vessels moored thereto.

8. Continue contacting deep draft vessels at anchor (or their agents) and determine their intentions.

9. Inspect wharf and pier areas with waterfront facility representatives during harbor patrols.

10. Spot-check marinas and waterways to determine the status of hurricane preparations

PORT CONDITIONS…

YANKEE

1. Gale force winds expected to arrive at the port within 24 hours

2. Port Status: restricted - vessel traffic control measures in effect.

3. Establish a Safety Zone controlling vessel movements & activities as appropriate.

4. COTP approve or direct, as necessary, final mooring arrangements for vessels remaining in port. Each waterfront facility, with vessels moored thereto, must notify the COTP for all commercial, oceangoing vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons desiring to remain in port at a designated facility or anchorage.

6. All inbound and outbound transits via the C&D Canal or Lower Chesapeake Bay shall be coordinated through COTP Philadelphia or COTP Hampton Roads, as appropriate.

PORT CONDITIONS…

ZULU

1. Gale force winds expected to arrive at the port within 12 hours.

2. Port Status: closed to all vessel traffic except for vessel movements and activities specifically authorized by the COTP.

3. Establish a Safety Zone prohibiting vessel movement and activities. This prohibition will not apply to commercial vessels over 500 gross tons that have requested and received an approval verification number from the COTP to transit the Port of Baltimore.

4. Suspend cargo operations involving bulk liquid dangerous cargoes, unless permission is requested and an approval verification number is received from the COTP, operation on a "case-by-case" basis

PORT CONDITIONS…

•As soon as practicable following the passage of the storm, the COTP will:

A.Return the Port to Port Maritime Hurricane Condition Seasonal Alert. The port may be (or remain) closed to vessel traffic until the navigation channels can be surveyed and declared safe for passage.

B.Coordinate completion of channel surveys.

C.Conduct maritime damage and risk assessment emphasizing bridges, wharves, piers, channels, and anchorages.

D.If necessary, organize a post-hurricane meeting with state and local officials and appropriate port stakeholders to assess, outline, and prioritize the recovery effort for the COTP Zone. This may be accomplished through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, as dictated by the severity of the storm.

Specific Post-storm Actions:

Checklists and Precautionary Measures

Moored Anchored

X 1. Mooring lines doubled up with due consideration given to the

effects of predicted storm surge.

X 2. Outboard anchor rigged at short stay.

X X 3. Sufficient number of officers and crew onboard to tend mooring

lines, an/or get underway.

X X 4. Vessel ballasted to ensure maximum safety.

X X 5. All side ports, hatches, portholes, and other openings are closed

and secured.

X X 6. Bilge pumps and manifolds are ready for immediate use.

X X 7. All fire fighting equipment is ready for immediate use.

X X 8. At least one (1) pilot ladder is rigged on each side of the vessel.

X 9. A gangway, or other suitable means of accessing the vessel from

the pier, is rigged.

X X 10. 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.

X X 11. Spare mooring lines and or wires should be readily available.

X X 12. A continuous radio watch should be maintained on Channel 16

VHF-FM (156.8 MHZ) by a person who speaks fluent English.

X 13. At least two anchors should be set.

X 14. Vessel should remain ready to get underway in 15

minutes.

Appendix 1 – Recommended PrecautionaryMeasures for Ships

Moored Anchored

X 1. All available anchors are deployed.

X 2. Mooring lines doubled up with due consideration given to the

effects of predicted storm surge. Special attention should be paid

to barges moored in the proximity of bridges.

X 3. Sufficient personnel are available ashore to respond to

emergencies. Note: In no way should this recommendation be

understood as the COTP advocating personnel being placed

in life threatening situations.

X X 4. All hatches, portholes and other openings are closed and

secured.

X 5. Fire fighting equipment is available and ready for immediate

use.

X 6. 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.

X X 7. Spare mooring lines and/or wires should be readily available.

Appendix 2 – Recommended Precautionary Measures for Barges

After the Storm…

You never

know what you will find?

HOW DO THEY AFFECT US?

Katrina Plug

Some CG Katrina Stats

Lives Saved 33,735.

76 Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft

1,817 sorties

42 cutters

131 small boats

5,000 Coast Guardsmen served in Katrina operations.

Open Discussion Period

&

Any Outstanding Questions?

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