The following is from our friends at the Hurricane Watch Net.
Please note that even though the eye of Irma will be traveling up Florida's
west coast, the storm covers the entire width of the state and most of the
rain is on the northern and eastern sides of the hurricane. All of Florida
remains at risk...
(Update: Sunday, September 10, 2017 @ 600 AM EDT (1000 UTC)
The Hurricane Watch Net remains at Alert Level 5 – Catastrophic Response Mode.
We will remain in continuous operation until further notice.
The Hurricane Watch Net remains operational on 14.325.00 MHz (USB) as of
7:00 AM EDT - 1100 UTC. We will remain operational on 14.325.00 MHz (USB) until
7:00 PM EDT – 2300 UTC, at which time we will move to our nighttime frequency of
7.268.00 MHz (LSB) and continue operations overnight. If propagation dictates, we
will operate both frequencies at the same time.
Note: Operations on 7.268 MHz will pause at 7:30 AM ET, and, if required, resume
at approximately 8:30 AM ET. This will allow the Waterway Net to conduct its daily net.
Any change in Net Operation plans will be noted here, on our website, the networks of
14.300.00 MHz, and many additional amateur radio networks and media.
Jos̩ Рa Category 4 Hurricane Рwhile moving away from the northern Leeward
Islands, everyone should NOT drop their guard as this storm is forecast to make a
loop in the Atlantic and threaten the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Cuba,
and southern Florida later this week.
Irma – a Category 4 Hurricane – once again, is forecast to affect ALL of Florida over
the next couple of days. This morning, the storm will begin its trek through the Florida
Keys and move along the western side of the Florida peninsula.
The following is from the 500AM EDT – 0900 UTC Discussion:
KEY MESSAGES:
1. Irma is expected bring life-threatening wind and storm surge to the Florida
Keys and southwestern Florida as an extremely dangerous major
hurricane today, and these conditions will spread into central and north-
western Florida tonight and Monday. Preparations in the Florida Keys and
southwest Florida should be complete since hurricane-force winds are
spreading into that area.
2. There is an imminent danger of life-threatening storm surge flooding along
much of the Florida west coast, including the Florida Keys, where a Storm
Surge Warning is in effect. The threat of catastrophic storm surge flooding
is highest along the southwest coast of Florida, where 10 to 15 feet of
inundation above ground level is expected. This is a life-threatening situation.
3. Irma will bring life-threatening wind impacts to much of Florida regardless
of the exact track of the center. Wind hazards from Irma are also expected
to spread northward through much of Georgia and portions of South Carolina
and Alabama.
4. Irma is expected to produce very heavy rain and inland flooding. Total rain
accumulations of 15 to 20 inches with isolated amounts of 25 inches are
expected over the Florida Keys through Sunday evening. Through Monday,
Irma is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 8 to 15 inches with isolated
amounts of 20 inches across the Florida peninsula and southeast Georgia,
while across the rest of Georgia, eastern Florida Panhandle, southern and
western South Carolina, and western North Carolina, a total of 3 to 6 inches
with isolated amounts of 10 inches are expected. Significant river flooding
is possible in these areas. Through Tuesday, Irma will also bring periods of
heavy rain into the Tennessee Valley, where an average of 2 to 5 inches
with isolated higher amounts is forecast across eastern Alabama and
southern Tennessee. This includes some mountainous areas which are more
prone to flash flooding. Residents throughout the southeast states should
remain aware of the flood threat and stay tuned to forecasts and warnings.
HWN requests observed ground-truth data from those in the affected area (Wind
Speed, Wind Gust, Wind Direction, Barometric Pressure – if available, Rainfall,
Damage, and Storm Surge). Measured weather data is always appreciated but
estimated data is accepted. We will also be interested to collect and report
significant damage assessment data back to FEMA officials stationed in the
National Hurricane Center.
In addition to collecting weather data for the forecasters at the National Hurricane
Centers and reading the latest advisories, bulletins, and updates, we will be
making calls for those with Emergency or Priority traffic. Many areas have been
severely affected by Irma and are just now beginning to get HF communications
somewhat restored. Additionally, we are available to provide backup communications
to official agencies such as Emergency Operations Centers and Red Cross officials
in all areas affected by Irma.
I wish to sincerely thank the daily users of these frequencies to allow us to serve our
fellow man in a serious time of need. We do pray these storms are over soon as we,
members of the Hurricane Watch Net, many who have regular working jobs, have
taken time off to assist in Hurricane Weather Emergency. Please bear with us as we
continue to help those affected and yet to be affected. We will return these frequencies
to normal amateur radio use as soon as this Weather Emergency has passed.
Please, keep those who are in the path of these dangerous hurricanes in your
thoughts and prayers!
As always, we are praying and hoping for the best yet preparing for the worst.
Sincerely,
Bobby Graves - KB5HAV
Hurricane Watch Net
Net Manager
www.hwn.org
