SB QST @ ARL $ARLB085
ARLB085 Hurricane Watch Net Tracking Jose

ZCZC AG85
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 85  ARLB085
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  October 20, 1999
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB085
ARLB085 Hurricane Watch Net Tracking Jose

The Hurricane Watch Net activated today on 14.325 MHz as Hurricane
Jose threatened the Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Leeward
Islands. As of 1800 UTC, the storm was reported near latitude 17.2
north, longitude 62.0 west and had just passed over Antigua in the
Leewards.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Montserrat, Antigua,
Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, St Eustatius, Saba, Dutch St Maarten,
Anguilla, the British and US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. A
hurricane warning also is in effect for French St Martin, St
Barthelemy, and Desirade.

ARRL Virgin Islands Section Manager John Ellis, NP2B, credits the
Hurricane Watch Net with providing the best information on the
storm. ''All ears are focused on the Hurricane Watch Net, which
provides the most accurate and up-to-the-second coverage available,''
he said. ''When these things get this close, it is extremely helpful
for us to know exactly where they are and what direction they are
going. Thanks to the folks on the Hurricane Watch Net.''

Ellis expects to be on the Hurricane Watch Net. He also was planning
to be available on the Caribbean Maritime Mobile Net on 14.300 MHz
and on 14.160 MHz passing traffic as needed. He reports that hams
are monitoring local repeaters, including the 147.25 MHz machine
with its ''hurricane antenna.''

Jose is moving toward the northwest near 12 MPH and this general
track is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum
sustained winds are near 100 MPH with higher gusts.

The Hurricane Watch Net has been taking reports from stations in the
storm's track and transmitting advisories. Hurricane Watch Net
participants file real-time storm and weather data, which is relayed
to forecasters via W4EHW at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
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/EX