SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

September 12, 2023

To all mooring holders in Portland Harbor mooring fields:

We have been monitoring official and local weather resources, and from this far out, it appears that Hurricane Lee will directly impact Nova Scotia. Portland and its waters and mooring fields will likely be in the edge of the storm as it broadens, with storm conditions Saturday into Sunday.

Please act SOON to do what you deem necessary to secure your boats and belongings. We will be pulling the Harbor Master boats before the cities remove docks and floats later this week. If you decide to take your boat off your mooring, please do so soon. Do not delay.

If you decide to leave your boat on the mooring, here are some steps you can take:

- remove all objects from on deck, including anchors, extra lines, life rafts, cushions, etc.

- be sure your pendant has adequate chafing gear where it goes through chocks and has potential to rub on your bowstay

- check to be sure your pendant is not wrapped around your mooring ball or chain

- create an extra "safety" pendant secured to a different cleat

- be sure your batteries are charged and your bilge pump is set to auto

- remove all canvas and anything that will catch wind, and remove or secure your boom

 

PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT AFTER THE STORM HAS BEGUN OR DURING THE STORM.

Your safety is more important than your boat.

 

Please continue monitoring weather resources. We will update as we learn more.