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Welcome to Sector Northern New England!

The establishment of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England is a significant strategic achievement that has integrated the command functions of Coast Guard Activities Group South Portland and Marine Safety Office Portland under one operational commander to more effectively manage the sweeping changes to the Coast Guard's operational environment.

Feel free to browse our menu to the left of our various departments, and thanks for visiting!

USCG Storm Warning Webcam in South Portland Maine

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Storm Warnings

Storm and hurricane forecasts and warnings are issued by NOAA's National Hurricane Center. Boaters and coastal residents can get storm and hurricane information from VHF marine radios, commercial radio and television stations and newspapers, or NOAA weather radios.

In some areas, warning flags are flown to warn boaters of dangerous weather conditions.

Daytime Signals

Here are some of the flags you may see on our storm cam.
Small Craft Advisory:

Gale Warning:
Storm Warning:

Hurricane Warning:
To alert mariners to sustained (more than two hours) weather or sea conditions, either present or forecast, that might be hazardous to small boats. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions. A warning of winds within the range of 39 – 54 mph (34 – 47 knots). Gale warnings may precede or accompany a hurricane watch. A warning of winds within the range of 55 – 73 mph (48 – 63 knots). A warning that indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph (64 knots) and higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas, are expected to impact a specified coastal area. When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately, or at least within the next 12 to 24 hours. When a warning is announced, it is of utmost importance that precautionary measures are taken for protection of life and property.

Night (Light) Signals

We also have Night (Light) Signals installed. Here are some possible light combinations you may see.
Small Craft Advisory:

Night Light Small Craft Advisory
Gale Warning:
Night Light Gale Warning
Storm Warning:

Night Light Storm Warning
Hurricane Warning:
Night Light Hurricane Warning
Red over White. White over Red. Red over Red. Red over White over Red.

To learn more about Storm Warnings, Click Here!

 

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Last Modified 3/2/2010