The 2022 Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1, 2022. All facilities and vessels in the Houston-Galveston Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are encouraged to review their severe weather plans and begin preparations for the hurricane season.
Sector Houston-Galveston has instituted a Port Condition Matrix with two tracks, a ’traditional’ track and a ’modified’ track, designed to clearly communicate with the port community whether the COTP intends to close the port. Both tracks have the exact same expectations except with the ’traditional’ track the COTP intends to close the port, whereas with the ’modified’ track, the COTP does not intend to close the port due to low intensity or low likelihood of a tropical storm. Regardless of track, the COTP will issue Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) and broadcasts declaring the Port Condition with further requirements and instructions for vessels and facilities.