Mississippi River closed to traffic due to storm (FOX News Photo)New Orleans, La. - The Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to vessel traffic from Baton Rouge to the mouth of the river Tuesday.
The declaration of "Port Condition Zulu" means the port will remain closed to all incoming and outgoing vessels until further notice.
Capt. Peter Gautier, commanding officer of Sector New Orleans cautioned "The few vessels that are still underway need to reach safe moorings as soon as possible," warning, "this storm should not be taken lightly."
In advance of the storm, the Coast Guard required ships, tugboats, and barges to move upriver to more secure mooring locations.
Coast Guard helicopters and small boats have been moved to safe locations and are positioned to get back to work quickly after the storm. The Coast Guard will be ready to respond to calls for search and rescue. But that rescue assistance may be difficult or unavailable during the storm.
The Coast Guard strongly urges the public to stay off the water during the storm conditions.
