Winnebago Co. SKYWARN is moving amateur operations to the (RARA) 146.610 repeater.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- 5/6/26

Winnebago County SKYWARN is pleased to announce that SKYWARN operations are now active on the Rockford Amateur Radio Association (RARA) 146.610 repeater.

This upgrade strengthens severe weather communications coverage throughout the region and enhances our ability to coordinate real-time storm reports and spotter operations in support of the National Weather Service Chicago (LOT).

PRIMARY AMATEUR REPEATER146.610 MHz -114.8

BACK-UP AMATEUR REPEATER147.195 MHz + 114.8

GMRS OPERATIONS462.575 MHz Repeater

The move to the RARA 146.610 repeater provides improved infrastructure, expanded operational capabilities, and greater reliability during severe weather activations and training exercises.

Winnebago County SKYWARN is a division of the Rockford Amateur Radio Association and operates in partnership with the National Weather Service Chicago (LOT). The organization is made up of trained weather spotters, amateur radio operators, GMRS operators, and weather enthusiasts dedicated to public safety and severe weather reporting.

We encourage all area spotters and amateur radio operators to monitor the repeater during active weather events and participate in future training opportunities and weekly nets.

Greg Wernick Jr.

Director / Net Control

Winnebago County SKYWARN

WinnebagoCoSkywarn@gmail.com