The Hurricane Watch Net is planning an activation for Hurricane IDA. Please review the information below
Hurricane Watch Net Activation Plans
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Friday, August 27, 2021 @ 11:30 AM EDT (1530 UTC)
Ida is expected to become a Major Hurricane once it enters the Gulf of Mexico. One forecast model is calling for Ida to reach Cat 4 Hurricane strength. Ida’s forecast track has not shifted much and landfall is expected to be somewhere south of New Orleans late Sunday or early Monday. It all depends upon the forward speed of Ida.
The Hurricane Watch Net on Standby Alert. This normally means a Hurricane is expected to affect land within the next 48 hours. We plan to activate late Saturday at 4:00 PM CDT (2100 UTC) on 14.325.00 MHz both 7.268.00 MHz. Propagation on 20-meters has been goofy lately, so, the band could close early or it may remain open well past sunset. No matter, we will suspend operations at 10:00 PM CDT (0000 UTC).
During our activation on Saturday, we will be lining up reporting stations in the affected area as well as Storm Shelters, EOC’s, and all First Responders who feel they could use our assistance.
Sunday will be an “ALL HANDS ON DECK” situation for members of HWN. We will resume operations on both 14.325.00 MHz and 7.268.00 MHz at 8:00 AM CDT (1300 UTC). From this point on, we will operate continuously until no longer needed.
Remember, Ida is forecast to be a Major Hurricane hitting a highly-populated area. It will affect both Louisiana and Mississippi. Louisiana was hit 3 times last year by Hurricanes, one of which hit southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. And many in the area still have Katrina in the back of their minds. We can only hope the levees hold this time! One failed back in 2012 during Cat 1 Hurricane Isaac.
As with any Net Activation, we welcome your observed ground-truth data from those in the affected area. The information forecasters at the National Hurricane Center need includes 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 also collect and forward significant damage assessment data to FEMA officials stationed in the National Hurricane Center.
As with any Net activation, 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.
Sincerely,
Net Management