Amateur Radio & SKYWARN Network

This page is specifically designed to keep Will County Amateur Radio Operators informed as to activities and information related to emergency communications in Will County.  Please keep checking back periodically to receive the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.

Will County Amateur Radio SKYWARN Reporting Information

When checking in to the SKYWARN net, be prepared to give the following information to net control:

• Call sign (with phonetics);
• Your city location (if you are base) or if you are mobile; and
• Whether or not you are a trained spotter (while spotter training is encouraged, all interested hams may check in)

Active SKYWARN Nets

• Bolingbrook Repeater 147.33 +
• Morris Repeater 147.27 + PL 107.2
• Liaison Repeater WW9AE – 444.55 + PL 114.8

What information should be reported to net control?

Basically, any significant severe weather event.  The most common examples of information that should be reported on the net includes:

• Tornado (on the ground, causing damage)
• Funnel Cloud (still aloft)
• Rotating Wall Cloud
• Hail (especially dime size or greater)
• Storm damage reports (downed trees, power outages, roofs blown off, etc.)

Stations should refrain from giving general weather reports (i.e. "It's raining here, it's pretty windy, and there's a lot of lightning.")  Rather, limit your reports to situations of truly unusual or severe nature.  If you are in doubt as to whether something should be reported or not, however, it is always best to contact net control and advise them of what you are observing.

The EOC Communications Center is an extremely busy place during a severe weather watch or warning.  While we try to have a dedicated individual assigned to SKYWARN net control, this is not always the case.  Please assist us by keeping non-emergency traffic to a minimum during weather incidents, and keeping all other traffic as concise as possible.

One final note -- Severe weather conditions change rapidly, and may catch spotters off guard.  Spotter safety is a critical function that must be attended to by all parties involved in the SKYWARN system.  Consequently, all stations that check in need to be sure and check out, either at the conclusion of the net or at any time if they must suspend operations.  This way we are sure that everyone is safe and accounted for.  Remember, spotting is a voluntary activity!

If you have any questions, or would like further information about Amateur Radio & SKYWARN Network, please contact our office.