SB QST @ ARL $ARLB046
ARLB046 Hurricane Watch Net, SATERN keeping an eye on Claudette

ZCZC AG46
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 46  ARLB046
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  July 11, 2003
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB046
ARLB046 Hurricane Watch Net, SATERN keeping an eye on Claudette

The Hurricane Watch Net secured operations on 14.325 MHz at 0130z on
July 11 for Tropical Storm Claudette. The storm had been predicted
to reach hurricane status, but it is now diminishing in strength as
it brushes past the Yucatan Peninsula.  The activation for Claudette
at 1800z on July 10 was the first of the 2003 hurricane season.

HWN members share storm information with forecasters via WX4NHC at
the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Net Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP, has cautioned, however, that once
the storm clears the Yucatan and heads into the warm waters of the
Gulf of Mexico, it again could become a major threat to Gulf Coast
communities. "We will continue to monitor progress of this storm and
will advise if activation of the Hurricane Watch Net might again be
called for," Pilgrim said. "In the meantime, interested parties
should access the weather advisories available on the Net's Web site
at http://www.hwn.org or otherwise monitor the Maritime Mobile
Service Net on 14.300 MHz (and on the web at http://www.mmsn.org/)
for frequent updates of the tropical weather outlook."

At 1200z, Claudette was reported heading north-northwest at 12 MPH
with maximum sustained winds of 55 MPH.

Meanwhile, National Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network
(SATERN) Coordinator Pat McPherson, WW9E, is asking SATERN personnel
in its Southern Territory to remain alert to further activation of
the Hurricane Watch Net and to support net activities by monitoring
and relaying if needed.

"If Claudette becomes a hurricane and makes landfall, it is likely
that SATERN will activate to pass emergency traffic and handle
health and welfare," McPherson said. The SATERN net operates on
14.265 MHz.
NNNN
/EX