SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX008
ARLX008 Hams respond to North Carolina storm crisis

ZCZC AX08
QST de W1AW  
Special Bulletin 8  ARLX008
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  December 9, 2002
To all radio amateurs 

SB SPCL ARL ARLX008
ARLX008 Hams respond to North Carolina storm crisis

Accompanied by the worst power outages since Hurricane Hugo in 1989,
a severe storm swept along through the Carolinas early Thursday,
December 5, prompting area Amateur Radio operators into action to
help with the emergency.

Over 1.5 million people in North and South Carolina were without
power December 6 and power was not expected to be restored to many
residents until after the weekend. Governor Mike Easley declared a
state of emergency in North Carolina as a half inch of ice coated
central North Carolina. Four people were killed in North Carolina.
 
ARRL North Carolina Section Public Information Coordinator Gary
Pearce, KN4AQ, said "SKYWARN nets operated overnight across the
state, providing the NWS updated information on changing ground
conditions."

While the statewide ARES net was not activated Thursday, the North
Carolina state EOC in Raleigh was staffed with hams helping to pass
traffic between there, county EOC and the state's 25 open shelters.
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/EX