Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.  During the season all boat owners and crew need to be ready with a well thought out plan and supplies on hand to quickly prepare their boat for a storm.  The time available to prepare for the arrival of a hurricane may vary depending on the storm's size, location and rate of advance which can vary dramatically.  Hurricanes typically approach at 8 - 10 miles per hour, however, they have been known to attain forward speeds in excess of 50 mph.  Hurricane strength winds can extend more than 100 miles from the eye or as little as 12.5 miles as in the case of Andrew [ August 1992].

  Effective May 15, the National Hurricane Center will implement important changes in some of its text and graphical products.  Watches and warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes along threatened coastal areas will be issued 12 hours earlier than in previous years.  Tropical storm watches will be issued when tropical storm conditions are possible along the coast within 48 hours.  Tropical storm warnings will be issued when those conditions are expected within 36 hours.  Similar increases in lead-time will apply to hurricane watches and warnings.

  A HURRICANE WATCH is typically posted by the National Hurricane Center in Miami when the storm is approximately 48 hours from making landfall.  A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when the storm is approximately 36 hours out.  In cases where a storm is moving very rapidly or its course alters dramatically, the Hurricane Center may go directly to a HURRICANE WARNING.

The following should be carried out when we are on a Hurricane Watch.  Do not wait until the last minute.  Should the Marina staff have to secure your vessel, you may be charged for the time and materials.

• Make sure your dockage agreement and insurance are on file in the office and all important phone numbers are up to date.
• Have someone on standby to carry out your Hurricane Plan for your vessel should you be out of town if a watch is issued.  Do not wait for later weather advisories.
• Unplug all electric and remove and store your power cords.  Chances are the power will go out and this will prevent arcing.  Prior to a hurricane, the power will be shut down at the source four hours prior to the storms arrival. Remove all articles from your freezers.
• Remove and secure all deck gear, portable gear, radio antennas, outriggers,  fighting chairs, outdoor furniture and deck boxes.  Remove all canvas and side curtains.  All loose articles on the docks must be removed.
• Secure all flammable, explosive or other hazardous material such as compressed gas cylinders.  It is best to remove off boat and take home. 
• Remove all valuables from your vessel including insurance papers, vessel documents, etc.
• Spider tie all dock lines using adequate size lines for your size vessel  with chafing gear as necessary.  Double all bow, stern and spring lines.  Owners must provide all their own gear.

• Secure the vessel in  the slip, make sure all lines are tight making the vessel part of the dock with breast lines to the next boat or finger pier.  Install extra fenders. 
  
• No one is permitted to stay on board in the event of an actual Hurricane or Tropical Storm.

After the storm: before calling or returning to your boat, allow adequate time for New River staff to evaluate damages.  We will notify owners as quickly as possible of any damages.