Ham radio operators have long been pivotal in aiding communication during emergencies. One of the most vital services they provide is through the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN). Established on Labor Day in 1965, this group of amateur radio operators works to track hurricanes and assist meteorologists by offering real-time, on-the-ground information from affected areas.
What is the Hurricane Watch Net?
The Hurricane Watch Net is an organized group of ham radio operators, also known as “hams,” who monitor hurricanes across the Atlantic region. Similar to SKYWARN, which tracks severe weather, the HWN focuses on hurricanes, providing valuable data to forecasters.
Since 1980, HWN members have been embedded with the National Weather Service (NWS) at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida. The team also supports the Canadian Hurricane Center in Nova Scotia. However, many of the HWN’s operators are not based at these locations. Instead, they are strategically dispersed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean Sea, ensuring continuous communication from impacted areas. These operators assist the NHC by providing real-time weather data, damage reports, and other critical information.
How Does the Hurricane Watch Net Operate?
The HWN operates on HF radio frequencies, specifically 14.325 MHz during the day and 7.268 MHz at night. They activate whenever a hurricane is within 300 miles of a populated landmass in the Atlantic region. This setup ensures that HWN volunteers can provide critical information even when traditional communication systems fail.
For instance, when a hurricane is headed toward New Orleans, a local ham operator could provide storm surge updates. However, if radio propagation between New Orleans and Miami is poor, an operator in Alabama could relay the information to the NHC, ensuring the timely delivery of updates.
Why Ham Radio is Crucial During Hurricanes
When hurricanes hit, traditional communication systems often go down. Ham radio can operate independently of infrastructure, making it a reliable communication method when power lines and cell towers are damaged. As Dick Sealey, N8NIF, a net control operator for HWN, explains:
“When infrastructure goes down, ham radio’s the only thing that works. What I might not hear in Michigan, somebody else in Colorado will.”
With hundreds of volunteers across the country, HWN can ensure that no vital information is missed. This network of volunteers can pass critical weather and damage reports to the National Weather Service, even if one station is unable to hear the report directly.
A Real-Life Example: Hurricane Beryl
During Hurricane Beryl on June 30, 2024, the HWN was activated. A transmission from a station in Georgia, K5WAN, reported:
“Dangerous Category 4 Beryl is approaching the Windward Islands. Life-threatening winds and storm surge are expected… At 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, the center of Hurricane Beryl was located near 11.1 North, Longitude 58.5 West.”
With several stations checking in from around the country, HWN was prepared to relay important information about the storm’s progress. The Hurricane Watch Net team had receiving stations in 5 states. That’s Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, North Carolina, plus, a WX4NHC station in Miami. That allows for many different HF propagation opportunities, which is helpful when they start calling for reporting stations.
Thankfully, at that time, no stations were directly impacted by Beryl, but the storm would later cause significant damage in Mexico and Houston, Texas, resulting in extended power outages and flooding.
How to Get Involved with the Hurricane Watch Net
There are two primary ways to participate in the Hurricane Watch Net: as a Net Control Station or by providing reports from impacted areas.
- Net Control Stations are responsible for managing communications during hurricanes. To become a Net Control Operator, you’ll need to complete a training process, which is only available outside of hurricane season. You can apply by visiting the Hurricane Watch Net website and clicking on “Net Control Information.“
- Reporters: If you live in an area impacted by a hurricane and have an HF radio, you can provide weather reports. Hams are encouraged to report their location (including city, state, and GPS coordinates), the observed weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, flood levels), and how that data was collected. You can find a reporting form on the Net Procedures page of the Hurricane Watch Net website.
Conclusion
The Hurricane Watch Net is an invaluable resource, offering vital communication channels during hurricanes. With the help of dedicated ham radio operators, the net provides real-time data to forecasters and emergency responders. If you’re interested in joining this effort, consider becoming a net control station or offering reports from the field.
For more information about getting involved in emergency communications, visit Ham Radio Prep. Our Emergency Communications 101 course can equip you with the skills to become an effective communicator during disasters. And if you’re looking to get your ham radio license, we also offer classes for Technician, General, and Amateur Extra licenses.
Stay safe and informed. Remember that ham radio can be a lifeline when other systems fail!
