Luzerne County Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The Hurricane Watch Net closely watching the progress of Hurricane Dorian. Over the past 24-hours, the forecast track of Dorian has shifted slightly to the left... which will bring the storm over the northern Bahamas and later hitting southeast Florida. NHC Dorian Advisory #25 at 11:00 AM EDT 1500 UTC, the center was located about 480 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas and about 660 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida. Maximum sustained winds were 110 mph (Category 2), moving to the northwest at 10 mph. Minimum central pressure 972mb or 28.71 in. The new forecast track does not look good. The Bahamas are forecast for a direct hit late Sunday afternoon when Dorian is a Category 4 Hurricane. Next stop is currently be forecast to be near West Palm Beach, FL as a strong Category 3 Hurricane. After landfall, Dorian is expected to turn to the northwest and travel up the eastern side of Florida. No matter the location of landfall for Florida, suffice to say, unless something major changes, a huge area of Florida will be impacted by this storm. The Hurricane Watch Net will activate at 5:00 PM EDT 2100 UTC Saturday afternoon, August 31st. Once activated, the Net will remain in continuous operation until further notice. Our frequencies of operation will be 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz. Operations on 14.325 MHz will continue as long we have propagation. Key Messages from Advisory #25: 1. Life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are likely in portions of the northwestern Bahamas, where a hurricane watch is in effect. Residents should execute their hurricane plan and listen to advice given by local emergency officials. 2. Life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are likely along portions of the Florida east coast by early next week, but it is too soon to determine where the highest storm surge and winds will occur. Residents should have their hurricane plan in place, know if they are in a hurricane evacuation zone, and listen to advice given by local emergency officials. 3. A prolonged period of storm surge, high winds and rainfall is likely in portions of Florida into next week, including the possibility of hurricane-force winds over inland portions of the Florida peninsula. 4. Heavy rains are expected over portions of the Bahamas, Florida, and elsewhere in the southeastern United States this weekend into the middle of next week. As with any net activation, we request observed ground-truth data from those in the affected area (Wind Speed, Wind Gust, Wind Direction, Barometric Pressure if available, Rainfall, Damage, and Storm Surge). Measured weather data is always appreciated but we do accept estimated. We are also available to provide backup communications to official agencies such as Emergency Operations Centers, Red Cross officials, and Storm Shelters in the affected area. We will also be interested to collect and report significant damage assessment data back to FEMA officials stationed in the National Hurricane Center. As always, we are praying and hoping for the best yet preparing for the worst. Sincerely, Bobby Graves KB5HAV Net Manager Hurricane Watch Net