The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) has announced that it will be activating for Hurricane Gonzalo. Net operations have been scheduled to start at 2100 UTC on October 13. The projected forecast track will take Gonzalo through the British and US Virgin Islands. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Gonzalo became a hurricane while moving through the northern Leeward Islands and that additional strengthening is likely. As of 2100 UTC, the storm was about 20 miles southeast of St Martin, with maximum sustained winds of 75 MPH. The storm is moving northwest (305°) at 12 MPH.

“Since Gonzalo, like Arthur earlier this year, 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 at 2100 EDT (Tuesday, October 14, at 0100 UTC),” said HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV.

The net will gather surface weather observations and report them directly to the National Hurricane Center. Graves noted that the plans are subject to change.

“Amateur stations in the affected area should be aware of the storm, and be prepared to operate from a place of safety,” Graves advised. “We do appreciate the consideration of Amateur Radio operators in keeping our frequency clear, and listening for possible relays.

More information on Hurricane Gonzalo and the Hurricane Watch Net is on the HWN website.