Lexington, IL - Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

05/03/2026

Be careful out there today!

04/27/2026

This lays it out nicely. Be prepared and pay attention is where we are at until closer to storm time.

We won't sugar coat it. Tomorrow has the potential to be very bad for some in IL, but also has a potential to be minor for many.

We know, some of you will say what's the point then if we don't truly know. Well, when we see a potential for strong, potentially violent tornadoes and destructive hail, we want to convey that. We also want to convey why it could be limited too. Here's what we're seeing:

We know a morning round of thunderstorms will move in after 3AM and continue into the lunch hour. Some of these could carry wind and hail, maybe an isolated tornado. That is why central IL has start times as early as 8AM to account for this.

These storms will exit, but when they exit is critical:

1. If they exit by noon and we see some clearing, then more of central IL(the pay close attention region) will see significant severe weather including long track tornadoes and massive hail, turning into a destructive wind and embedded tornado risk as they grow upscale.

2. If these storms hang around until 2-3PM and cloud cover stays, then storms in the "pay attention region" will be lesser severe in the afternoon but still pose some risk for isolated tornadoes and strong winds.

Right now it could go either way. This is why we want you to pay attention because it's a boom or bust situation for you.

If you live in the "be prepared" region, we feel the potential is higher for you as storms will be more north of you midday and instability will really stream in. This region has the highest potential for significant severe weather including hail up to tennis ball sized, tornadoes potentially strong to violent and destructive winds. That is strong wording we know and it isn't something we post lightly. This set up really is that conductive. Be prepared in this region and look into postponing plans and traveling.

Up north in the "still be aware" region, we still think some wind risk will materialize in the afternoon as we have a very high sheared environment. A few isolated tornadoes are on the table but we think the higher tornado risk is to your south. Still be aware that there is some potential though and don't discount it.

Weather Anxiety: We know nerves are high. We know wording was strong. We know you're tired after a long season already. That is all valid. Please, stay prepares and aware. This will keep you safe. Knowing your location and surrounding counties means you can seek shelter well in advance when storms are nearing your neighboring towns. Also, keep in mind that even in the biggest tornado outbreaks a majority will still be fine. Have a plan in place, follow updates tomorrow and be aware, this will keep you okay and we'll all be enjoying the beautiful forecast coming up after this.

Is it safe to send kids to school? Yes, schools are prepared for this and they will be watching closely. We can't speak for schools but we wouldn't be surprised to see some early dismissals tomorrow if the forecast starts to trend in the stormier scenario. This is just something we're mentioning so you're not caught off guard. After school activities may also be cancelled in some parts. Just have a plan in case this does happen.

Monitor for updates and we'll be watching closely all day for you tomorrow.

Forecaster: Carlos Wyant

04/26/2026

There is not an all clear!! If you hear sirens, take cover and watch radar or follow your favorite meteorologist until the threat passes. If it is sounded more than once (which is unusual but happens) we have multiple threats in the area.

When sirens stop it does not mean it's clear, we also don't sound an all clear siren. Sirens mean get indoors, take shelter, and seek additional reliable information.

04/21/2026

Welcome to Lexington, Illinois Welcome to Lexington, Illinois, located along historic Route 66 and I-55 McLean County. Our small Midwestern city offers something for everyone to enjoy. Residents can take advantage of our vibrant downtown area and a variety of recreational opportunities, while visito...

04/20/2026

The NWS has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with max winds of 100 mph occurred in Lexington on Friday evening. Work is still being done to determine the tornado damage around Stanford & Danvers in McLean County as well as other tornadoes that occurred in Tazewell, Mason, and Fulton Counties.

An interactive map of all the published tornado tracks and damage points can be found in the link below:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1VP7UJuhQprJIoFdIaV4YwIMZ_KuVyvA&ll=40.4986196259709%2C-88.62823383632654&z=10

04/19/2026

It appears our “bubble” has burst. Confirmed EF1 in Lexington, northwest portion of town. It just did us a huge favor and didn’t stay on the ground or we would have seen a lot more damage. Thankful that no one was injured.
We are only halfway through storm season, folks.

04/18/2026

The City of Lexington, IL, has joined McLean County, the City of Bloomington, and the Town of Normal in issuing this emergency declaration, reinforcing a unified regional response to the recent storm. damage and recovery efforts. Please follow the instructions to report your damage.

McLean County Leaders Issue Emergency Declaration Following Friday Night’s Severe Storms
Bloomington, IL — McLean County officials from City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, and County of McLean have issued a formal emergency declaration in response to widespread storm damage impacting portions of the County.
At this time, no injuries have been reported, and emergency response agencies remain actively engaged to ensure public safety and continuity of essential services. The disruption is believed to be temporary, and utility providers are working diligently to restore services.
Current estimates indicate that power is expected to be fully restored by approximately noon Sunday, April 19th.
County emergency management personnel have activated the Emergency Operations Center, in coordination with local municipalities, first responders, and utility partners. The parties continue to monitor conditions and support restoration efforts. Critical infrastructure and public safety systems remain operational.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Use caution when traveling, particularly at intersections where traffic signals may be impacted
• Please stay away from downed power lines, and assume lines are live.
• Check on neighbors, particularly seniors or those with medical needs
• Follow official government communication channels for updates
PLEASE use Self-Reporting tool in the QR Code or link below.
Residents experiencing outages, property damage, flooding, tree damage, or service disruptions are encouraged to self-report to assist countywide response efforts.
📱 Scan the QR code below or follow the link to submit a report:
https://veoci.com/v/p/form/99zytxjzcdky?c=346309

This declaration allows us to ensure all necessary resources are aligned to support our residents and restore services as quickly as possible. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as crews work to resolve the issue.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

04/18/2026

Please, please be aware of scammers! Use local, trusted contractors only!

04/18/2026

*Friday 4/17, 10:50pm* Tonight was a wild one! Sirens were sounded due to radar indicated rotation and extremely high winds. The risk has ended for the night. Ameren is being contacted and roadblocks are set for downed trees and power lines. PLEASE DO NOT WALK BY OR DRIVE OVER DOWNED LINES!
Please post your damage photos here so we can report to the county.