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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says it is continuing to make preparations in advance of the anticipated landfall of a significant coastal storm, which forecasters say will bring tropical storm winds, heavy rain, high tides and coastal flooding to the region.

Hurricane Sandy is forecast to come ashore late Monday along New Jersey's barrier islands and is set to create strong winds and dangerous flooding to the East Coast from the Mid-Atlantic states to New England.

The maritime facilities of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are currently closed until further notice. The Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey has set port condition Yankee for all commercial waterways in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

Gale force winds from Hurricane Sandy are expected to make landfall along the coast of New York and New Jersey within 24 hours. In addition, the following actions are also required by the Captain of the Port:

* Commercial deep draft vessels greater than 500 gross tons are not authorized to remain in port alongside a pier after 6 p.m., today.

* All vessels must be out of Bay Ridge, Stapleton, and Gravesend Bay Anchorage Grounds by 6 p.m., today.

* Only one barge per commercial mooring buoy, with a tug in the vicinity, is authorized after 6 p.m., today.

* After the hurricane has passed, all facilities must fill out a post-storm assessment survey.

Mariners are also advised that drawbridges will remain closed when wind speeds are 34 knots or greater or once evacuations begin. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners are also urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

All Coast Guard small boat stations have secured operations in anticipation of the hurricane. As a result, they will have minimal search and rescue capabilities until the storm passes out of the area. The Coast Guard has urged boaters to stay off the water and off the beaches.

As Hurricane Sandy draws closer, the Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:

* Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.

* Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage.

* Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress.

* Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hurricane Sandy through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.

"In addition to closely monitoring changing conditions and conducting regular briefings internally, the agency is coordinating with the governor’s offices in New York and New Jersey, the New York City mayor’s office, other external stakeholders and the Federal Aviation Administration, which controls air traffic," said The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Port Condition Yankee - Description

* No vessels may enter, transit or remain within this safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port. The following additional requirements are in effect:

* Cease cargo operations: All transfer of cargo operations shall cease when wind speeds reach 40 mph.

* Disconnect transfer hoses: Disconnect all transfer hoses and loading arms when wind speeds exceed 50 mph.

* Vessels desiring to depart the port must arrange immediate departure: Movement of all vessels and barges over 500 gross tons desiring to depart the port must contact the Captain of the Port to arrange immediate departure.

* All vessels must be at mooring site and follow approved 'Remaining in Port Checklist': All commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gt remaining in port must be at their mooring site in accordance with their Remaining in Port Checklist, as approved by the Captain of the Port.

* Smaller commercial vessels not restricted by draft: Smaller vessels not restricted by draft, including fishing vessels, are asked to seek shelter outside the deep draft shipping channels and turning areas.

* Vessels bound for the port: Vessels bound for the port are advised to seek an alternate destination.