PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- The approach of Hurricane Sandy has prompted the Coast Guard to restrict access to ports in the coastal waters of the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia.

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Coast Guard officials said in a news release Saturday evening that it has set Port Condition Yankee, which means gale-force winds are possible within 24 hours at the Virginia Capes. No vessel may enter ports along the eastern shore without the permission of the captain of the port.

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All remaining ports in the Hampton Roads region remain at Port Condition x-Ray.
    
The news release says facility operators should contact Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads at 757-638-6641 to request permission for vessels to enter the port.

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Anchored vessels should prepare for severe winds. Vessels should monitor VHF-FM channel 16.

Associated Press