MSIB 010-26 

January 31, 2026 

Port Condition ZULU (Modified)

SUMMARY:A winter storm approaches the Virginia Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone. 

The Sector Virginia COTP will set Modified Port Condition Zulu effective at 5:00 p.m. today for
Virginia portions of the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean inlet
sand 11:00 p.m. for lower portions of the James & Elizabeth Rivers, and Norfolk Harbor. Hazardous marine conditions will exist in and approaching Areas of Concern and reduced visibility is expected in major shipping lanes.
Bridges may have reduced operations due to high winds and severe temperatures. During severe weather, emergency response, to include search and rescue capability, may be impacted. NWS forecasts are available here. 

AREAS OF CONCERN:Lower James River (Goose Hill Channel Range and below), Elizabeth River, Norfolk Harbor, Chesapeake Bay (state line through the VA Capes), and all ocean inlets. 

ACTION:Take action to preparefor severe weather.Per33 CFR§ 165.520, all vesselsandfacilities mustprepare for potential storm impacts. Based on forecastedconditions,COTP establishes areas and actions subject to Port Conditions.  

MODIFIED ZULU ACTIONS:Marine traffic is suspended during Modified Port Condition ZULU based on forecasted sustained gale-force winds in the Areas of Concern. Vessels should ensure pilot times allow for movements to complete prior to the ZULU. Vessels intending to depart or remain must complete any movements within the areas of concern before the change in Port Condition. 

Harbor-assist vessels that must sortie to render assistance during Modified Port Condition ZULU must contact USCG Sector Virginia Command Center. Do no transit or operate in these areas during Port Condition ZULU without COTP permission. 

Port Conditions  | Area                                  | Effective Time (Local) 
Modified ZULU    | All Areas of Concern (Except below)   | 5:00 p.m. Sat, 31 Jan  
Modified ZULU    | James River (waters below Goose Hill  | 11:00 p.m. Sat, 31 Jan
                 |  Range & M.M. 52 & Elizabeth Rivers,  |
                 |  and Norfolk Harbor                   |   

                   Anticipated Future Port Conditions 
RECOVERY   | All Rivers & Harbors      | 12 noon Sun, 1 Feb  
RECOVERY   | Chesapeake Bay & Inlets   | 4:00 p.m. Sun, 1 Feb  

MSIB/Marine Broadcasts will announce subsequent Port Condition updates after ZULU. Resumption of normal Marine Transportation System operations is predicated on actual storm conditions, and any post-storm assessments, during Port Condition RECOVERY. 

COMMUNICATIONS: Contact VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil for Port Condition considerations. Direct all other inquiries and any emergencies to the 24/7 Sector Virginia Command Center via VHF CH 16 or (877) 722-5727.  

For more current information on port status info see: https://navcen.uscg.gov/port-status  

For Marine Safety Information releases see: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi  

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