The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) is preparing to activate for Tropical Storm Arthur, forecast to be upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Initial plans call for net operation to get underway on July 3 at 1600 UTC.

“The current forecast track brings Arthur very close to the outer banks of North Carolina during the evening and overnight hours on Thursday,” said HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV. “Since Arthur will be affecting land overnight, the net will initially operate on our primary frequency of 14.325 MHz and then switch to 7.268 MHz when the 20 meter band closes.” He noted that these plans are subject to change.

Graves said the net will gather surface weather observations and report them directly to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Graves reminded those along the North Carolina coast and especially those on the Outer Banks not to focus on the forecast track line. “The storm could easily track either side,” he said. “Once past North Carolina, Arthur appears to have Nova Scotia in its sights for Saturday, and, if so, the Hurricane Watch Net will be active that day as well. Amateur stations in the affected area should be aware of the storm, and be prepared to operate from a place of safety.”

Graves asked for cooperation in keeping the net’s frequency clear and listening for possible relays.