RI Mariners: Don't Go Out To Sea In Nor'Easter: Coast Guard

NEWPORT, RI—The U.S. Coast Guard will station a cutter off the coast during the upcoming nor'easter in case of search and rescue calls. But mariners are being advised not to go out on the water, if a storm is coming. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer may not be able to help boats in distress, the 1st District Northeast said Thursday, in extreme weather conditions.

This is a powerful storm, the Coast Guard said.

"Conditions are expected to deteriorate Thursday night," the Coast Guard said. "Along with heavy rain and strong wind gusts, high tide cycles from Friday into Saturday are at risk for widespread major coastal flooding. The intensity and height of the predicted storm's wave action combined with astronomically high tides, and the long duration of this coastal storm, could significantly exceed the coastal flooding damage experienced during the Nor'easter this past January."

Boaters can help the Coast Guard by making sure their vessels are secured.

"Paddle craft owners are urged to pull and secure vessels well above high water levels to avoid craft being pulled off the shore. Once at sea, unmanned craft often result in complex, unnecessary searches thereby reducing Coast Guard's capability to respond to actual distress at sea. Also, please clearly mark all paddle craft with owner's name and contact information," the Coast Guard said.

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