Hurricane Watch Net Inc Information

The Hurricane Watch Net is a group of licensed Amateur Radio Operators, trained and organized to provide essential communications support to the National Hurricane Center during times of Hurricane emergencies. We are not housed in a single location - as some of our followers believe - but strategically disbursed across North America, throughout the Caribbean Sea, and Central America so that we can provide a continuous path of communications from storm-affected areas to the forecasters in the National Hurricane Center in Miami, and when needed, the forecasters in the Canadian Hurricane Center in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The primary mission of the Hurricane Watch Net is to disseminate tropical cyclone advisory information to island communities in the Caribbean, Central America, along the Atlantic seaboard of the U.S., and throughout the Gulf of Mexico coastal areas. We also collect observed or measured weather data from amateur radio operators in the storm affected area as well as any post storm damage, and convey that information to the Hurricane Forecasters in the National Hurricane Center via the amateur radio station in the center ( WX4NHC). In addition, we provide the same service for the Canadian Hurricane Centre whenever a hurricane threatens their country. The Hurricane Watch Net generally activates whenever a hurricane is within 300 statute miles of expected land-fall. Our area of coverage includes the Caribbean, Central America, Eastern Mexico, Eastern Canada, as well as all US Coastal States. When activated, you will find us on 14.325 MHz by day and 7.268 MHz by night. Why do we state these frequencies without a plus or minus amount? Because those who are operating using marine radios have to program in the frequencies - marine radios do not have a VFO or RIT. Furthermore, these two frequencies come preprogrammed into many marine radios. Many non-hams listen in via shortwave radio and know this is where to find us when are activated. Before any net activation, if either frequency is in use, we always ask permission to use them. Additionally, it is our practice of being on the air ahead of the amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center - WX4NHC - for the explicit purpose to establish our net operating frequency, to issue advisory data, and to line up reporting stations. It helps us tremendously to know the operators locations, names, and weather measuring capabilities in advance of the storm's arrival. For those of you who may not possess an amateur radio license, we invite you to monitor net activities on 14.325.00 MHz USB, which is available on many popular general coverage receivers. Amateur Radio operators who desire to participate are encouraged to visit our membership discussion and note the requirements particular to becoming a member of our organization.