Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Hurricane Watch Net to Activate for Nicole – Please Keep 14.325 and 7.268 MHz Clear

The following is from Hurricane Watch Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV:

The Hurricane Watch Net is closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Nicole. Nicole is forecast to make landfall somewhere along the Florida east coast between Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale during the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Hurricane Watch Net will activate Wednesday morning (November 9) at 10:00 AM EST (1500 UTC) on our primary frequency of 14.325 MHz. We will activate our 40-meter Net on 7.268 MHz at 4:00 PM EST (2100 UTC). We will remain on both 14.325.00 MHz and 7.268.00 MHz for as long as propagation will allow or until our services are no longer required.

During any net activation, we look for reporting stations who can provide us with any measured or estimated weather information that we can relay directly to the forecasters at National Hurricane Center in Miami. Such weather information we look for is maximum sustained winds, winds gusts, wind direction, barometric pressure, rainfall amount – how much over x-amount of time, storm surge, and damage. Should you have any outgoing Health and Welfare Traffic before, during, or after this event, we are happy to assist as we work closely with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN).

As always, we are available to provide backup communications to official agencies such as Emergency Operations Centers, Red Cross officials, and storm shelters in the affected area. We also collect and forward significant damage assessment data to government and non-government officials requesting such.

As always, we greatly appreciate the daily users and various nets who use 14.325.00 MHz and 7.268.00 MHz for allowing us a clear frequency. It certainly makes our job easier and I know those in the affected area appreciate it as well.