The Hurricane Watch Net is active on 14.325 MHz and will begin simultaneous operation on 7.268 MHz later today, as Hurricane Zeta approaches the coast of Louisiana as a strengthening Category 2 storm. Please keep these frequencies clear for net traffic, as well as any other local/regional nets that may activate as the storm comes ashore.
The following is from the Hurricane Watch Net website <www.hwn.org>:
The Hurricane Watch Net will activate Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM EDT
(1500 UTC) on 14.325.00 MHz for Hurricane Zeta. We will begin
simultaneous operations on 7.268.00 MHz beginning at 5:00 PM EDT (2100
UTC). Once activated, we will remain in operation on 14.325.00 MHz for
as long as we have propagation. We will remain on 7.268.00 MHz until
after Zeta is downgraded to a Tropical Storm or we lose propagation,
whichever occurs first.
Zeta is forecast to be a Category 1 Hurricane when it
makes landfall somewhere in southeast Louisiana late Wednesday evening.
As with any net activation, we request 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 we do accept estimated.
We are also available to provide backup communications
to official agencies such as Emergency Operations Centers, Red Cross
officials, and Storm Shelters in the affected area. We will also be
interested to collect and report significant damage assessment data back
to FEMA officials stationed in the National Hurricane Center.
As always, we are praying and hoping for the best yet preparing for the worst.
