Fairfield, CT - March 1, 6pm - Winter Storm Riley is rapidly intensifying off the coast of Southern New England and is projected to impact Connecticut (CT) and Long Island (LI) as early as late Thursday evening, March 1, through Saturday, March 3. The National Weather Service (NWS) has rated the impact of this storm to marine operations, particularly offshore, "extreme", the highest of 5 levels. Coastal CT & LI are forecasted to receive heavy rains with the possibility of snow. Strong, damaging winds are projected to reach 60-70 mile per hour gusts. Seas & winds offshore are predicted to reach 16ft; for any vessels transiting towards Rhode Island or Massachusetts, significantly higher wave heights are predicted offshore of those states, up to 35ft. There is significant risk of coastal flooding, particularly during times of high tide, throughout LI & an elevated risk for the entire coastline of CT. Today's 6am NWS briefing contains important information and is located at:
https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/Briefings/WxBriefing_FB.pdf
The Coast Guard & its partner agencies' operations & response times may be impacted by extreme winds & swells.
* Marina operators and recreational boaters should monitor vessels left in the water for excessive rain water accumulation, malfunctioning bilge pumps, structural failures, or strained dock lines.
* Commercial operators and waterfront facilities should review company guidelines concerning heavy weather operations, use extreme caution during navigation, and in all cargo and/or passenger operations. The forecasted high winds, rain and sea state will make navigation and other operations especially difficult. These conditions also make it difficult and dangerous for crew members to perform rounds, adjust mooring lines, position cargo hoses and cranes, and take emergency measures if necessary. Suspend cargo operations and secure hoses before high winds make cargo operations dangerous.
* All vessel operators and boaters should consider doubling mooring lines well in advance of high winds, and take the time now to check the preparation status of their vessels.
* High winds, cold temperatures, precipitation, and the potential for ice will increase the chance of slips, trips, and falls. Ensure all crew members and employees have appropriate protective gear. Make safety your first priority.
Please, read attached MSIB for further details.
Very respectfully,
LTJG Rodion Mazin
Incident Management Division
Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound
Office: (203) 468-4543
Cell: (708) 979-1448