AUGUST 15, 2025 – Coast Guard Captain of the Port – San Juan has directed the setting of Port Condition X-RAY at 4p.m. Thursday for all seaports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgins Islands due to Tropical Storm Erin.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Erin approaches the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on a west-northwest track across the Central Atlantic.
Ports and maritime facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer and cargo operations may continue while Port Condition X-RAY remains in effect.
Mariners are reminded there are no safe havens in these facilities, and ports are safest when the inventory of vessels is at a minimum. Vessels desiring to remain in port must have submitted their application for COTP approval prior to the setting of Port Condition X-RAY. All ocean-going commercial vessels and ocean-going barges 500 gross tons and above that have not obtained Captain of the Port approval to remain in port should make plans for departing the port when Port Condition YANKEE comes into effect.
Vessels bound for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands unable to depart 24 hours prior to threatening winds potentially making landfall are advised to seek an alternate destination. Port facilities are advised to review their heavy weather plans and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the expected conditions.
Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor.
The Coast Guard is advising the public of these important safety messages:
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 to sustaining damage. Trailer-able 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 remove EPIRBs and to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s and U.S. National Weather Service San Juan, Puerto Rico webpage.
Be informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm 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.
For more hurricane season preparedness tips, review our safety message for the 2025 Atlantic season here.
For the latest forecast advisories and weather updates for Tropical Storms Franklin and Gert, visit the National Hurricane Center website. For hurricane readiness information, check out the resources available in multiple languages at Ready.gov and FEMA’s website.
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