Lexington, IL - Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

10/15/2026

Presidential Disaster Declaration Update-
As many of you know, our request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration was recently denied. While this is disappointing, our work is far from over.

We are currently actively gathering any additional information and documentation that may strengthen our case as we prepare for the appeal. It’s important to note that we only have one opportunity to appeal this decision, so making sure we present the most complete picture of the damage in our county is critical.

If you experienced severe damage during the August storms and did not report it previously, we strongly encourage you to do so now. Additional reports can significantly improve our chances during the appeal process and help ensure our community receives the assistance it needs.

You can report damages here:
https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery/damageassessment.html

Thank you for your continued support as we work to advocate for our county.

08/31/2026

We know it’s almost September but….. summer isn’t done yet!

08/24/2026

🚨SIREN TESTING TOMORROW!🚨
Repairs are being made on the siren on Greenwich Street tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday Aug 25th. They will be testing the sirens after repairs are made.
Please share to spread the word!

08/15/2026

08/14/2026

Wonderful explanation of what a downburst is, why you can’t warn for them, and why sirens aren’t sounded when they occur. They happen seemingly out of nowhere and will cause just as much, if not more, damage as a tornado on a wider scale. This is what occurred in Bloomington today and why the damage was so widespread with “low” wind speeds recorded. You can prepare for a tornado. You cannot prepare for a downburst.

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

If you are planning to travel to Bloomington, please use extreme caution. There are still trees and power lines down, debris on roadways and cars stalled on the roads. Only travel to town if you must. If it’s a trip that can wait, please do. Allow them the space and time to clean up. Bloomington was hit pretty hard today.

Update 5:30 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 13, 2026: Town crews will be working tonight until dark to clear downed trees where possible. In some cases, power lines are entwined with trees and remain blocking roads. These will remain until power crews indicate it is safe to remove them.

Please be patient. In some cases, crews have moved trees to the side to open roads. Crews will return to pick these up. The primary focus is making roads passable. Drive with caution if you must be out. Some roads remain blocked.

Uptown Normal is without power as are several neighborhoods. Power crews are aware and will be working to restore.

The following roads are either blocked or difficult to navigate: Beaufort, Broadway north of Virginia, Cherry west pf Linden, Fell Avenue, Adelaide at Major Street and south of Warriner, Linden Street, Jersey and Vernon Avenues, Maple Street, Archie Avenue and the Vernon and Beaufort intersection. Avoid these areas.

On Friday, Aug. 14, the Town intends to pick up waste and recycling as scheduled. Landscape waste and bulky item pick up is suspended so crews can focus on brush collection

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Update 3:30 p.m. Town of Normal is aware numerous trees and power lines are down throughout the community. Please drive with caution. Do not drive thru flooded roadways. If you do not need to be out, stay home.

Several key roadways are blocked. Trucks are out working to clear roads.

Uptown Normal is without power. The following roads are blocked and difficult to navigate: Beaufort, Broadway, Fell, Adelaide south of Warriner, North Main, Linden Street, Jersey, College and Vernon Avenues. Avoid these areas.

Please stay off Constitution Trail .. many trees and power lines are down along the Trail as well.

07/27/2026

🚲⚡ MICROMOBILITY SAFETY IN ILLINOIS
E-bikes, electric scooters, e-motos, and similar devices are becoming more common. Riders, parents, and drivers should know the basic rules.

CURRENT E-BIKE RULES
• Class 1: Pedal assist up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle or pedal assist up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal assist up to 28 mph; riders must be at least 16
• E-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks
• Riders must obey traffic signs, signals, and right-of-way laws

RIDER SAFETY
✅ Ride with traffic
✅ Use lights and reflectors at night
✅ Signal before turning or stopping
✅ Watch for pedestrians and opening vehicle doors
✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet

DRIVER SAFETY
🚗 Give riders at least three feet when passing
🚗 Keep bike lanes clear
🚗 Check for riders before turning or opening a door
🚗 Do not turn across a rider’s path

Illinois lawmakers have also approved proposed changes for 2027 involving minimum rider ages and additional requirements for high-speed e-bikes and e-motos.

More information:
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/micromobility-in-illinois.html

07/15/2026

Union Pacific connects 23 western U.S. states, providing safe and efficient railroad transportation, freight shipping and logistics.

06/29/2026

Please be careful this week. Heat stroke happens quickly. Check on your people!

The heatwave settles in Monday and we may not see relief for at least 6-8 days. Below is max heat index values on Monday.

Please take extra precautions hen working outdoors.