via the ARRL: Amateur Radio Ready for Above Average Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins on Sunday, June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts this season to be above-normal in activity, citing above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures. The scientists say the season will likely produce between 13 and 19 named storms, including 3 – 5 major hurricanes.

Amateur radio provides a robust toolset, a trained volunteer corps, and durable infrastructure for emergency preparedness. There are several ham radio nets that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) relies on to inform forecasts through surface observations made by the volunteer operators.

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® encourages all amateurs to participate in the Hurricane Watch Net, the VOIP Weather Net and others that provide support and information via WX4NHC, the amateur radio station at the NHC. ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, says each ham’s individual observations can make all the difference in a critical situation. “We know of stories from hurricanes in the past where a report from a ham radio station changed the forecast for landfall and impact by the NHC. We are also aware of information being shared of people being trapped and were able to get assistance to those victims after the storm.” Amateur radio operators provide an important tool before, during and after a storm. The Hurricane Watch Net is hosting a special operating event to mark its 60th anniversary on June 7 – 8.

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