R.G. Edmonson | Aug 22, 2011 4:08PM EDT
The Coast Guard is warning vessels and ports in South Florida to be prepared for gale force winds from Hurricane Irene within 48 hours.
Miami’s Captain of the Port on Monday afternoon issued the lowest of three levels of storm warnings, and advised mariners to expect winds of 39 to 54 miles per hour within 72 hours.
While the port remains open to commercial traffic, ships and barges of 500 gross tons or more should make plans to leave port. Ships that want to stay in port must get permission from the Coast Guard.
Irene was still a tropical storm on Sunday night when it passed over Puerto Rico. Ports closed, but the Port of San Juan reopened Monday morning.
-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.
