Vigo County Emergency Management

09/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 30, 2026
National Weather Service Recognizes Vigo County as a StormReady® Partner
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.—The National Weather Service (NWS) Indianapolis office has officially recognized Vigo County as a StormReady® partner. This distinction, awarded by the NWS, highlights organizations that have taken significant steps to prepare for and respond to severe weather, with the ultimate goal of saving lives.
The NWS's StormReady® program provides strict guidelines for communities, counties, and commercial enterprises to enhance their weather preparedness. While no location is entirely immune to severe weather, becoming StormReady® helps ensure a higher level of safety and readiness for hazardous weather and flooding.
“Having a strong emergency action plan for hazardous weather is absolutely critical,” said David Beachler, Meteorologist in Charge for NWS Indianapolis. “Vigo County is proactive in their preparedness efforts and takes the threat of lightning, strong winds, hail, tornadoes, and extreme heat very seriously. The NWS and Vigo County work closely together to make quick, critical decisions that protect citizens who might otherwise be vulnerable and unaware of approaching weather.”
“The safety of our citizens in Vigo County is of utmost importance,” Vigo County Emergency Management Director Dorene Hojnicki said. “We work closely with the National Weather Service to ensure we have the best information available to make informed decisions for our county when severe weather is in the area. The StormReady® designation recognizes the steps we have taken to protect life and property across Vigo County.”
Established in 1999, the nationwide StormReady® program is a grassroots initiative focused on preparing for natural hazards. Today, more than 1,600 counties and 1,200 communities are better prepared for adverse weather as a result of the program. To be recognized as a StormReady® partner, an organization must maintain a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center. They must also have multiple ways to receive NWS warnings and alert the public, monitor local weather and flood conditions, and conduct community preparedness programs. Additionally, the organization's formal emergency management plans must address hazardous weather and flooding, including training SKYWARN® weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. The StormReady® recognition is valid for four years and is renewable.
The National Weather Service Indianapolis Forecast Office serves as the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for 39 counties in central Indiana. The NWS works with partners like Vigo County to build a Weather-Ready Nation, supporting community resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather.
Media Contact:
Mike Ryan
317-856-0359
[email protected]

09/06/2026

08/19/2026

Per NWS Indianapolis

Key Points ● Flood watch in effect from 2 PM today through 8 AM Thursday across the northern half of central Indiana ● Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms expected this afternoon into tonight ● Training thunderstorms are possible with the potential for 1 to 3 inches of rain over saturated soils. Locally higher amounts cannot be ruled out ○ Greatest threat for flooding will be across the northern half of central Indiana Excessive Rainfall Risk This Afternoon Through Tonight ● Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible; primarily damaging wind gust threat, but severe hail cannot be ruled out.

Low laying areas with potential for flash flooding. Do not drive through standing water.

08/13/2026

08/10/2026

We’re expecting two rounds of storms today, starting this morning with a second round later this afternoon. The main threats are damaging winds and localized flooding, isolated tornadoes are possible to the north. Please take precautions for high heat and humidity today.

07/02/2026

A new traffic pattern will impact U.S. 150 (Cherry and Ohio Streets) east of the Wabash River near the Vigo County Courthouse, beginning on/after 7/6 and 7/13. 🔀🚗

The current traffic pattern will remain in place west of the river.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4vEGITp

06/30/2026

If you are interested in contributing to our day center or cooling center operations please see the needs list below.

More urgent needs include:
💧Bottled water/water containers
🐾Dry dog food
🧢Cooling towels or bandanas
🧊Popsicles (to refresh when folks come in)
☕️Sugar, coffee and creamer

If you are interested in volunteering or providing a meal, please contact us at [email protected].

Stay cool, Terre Haute! ☀️

06/30/2026

06/30/2026

🌡️ Indiana will experience dangerous heat over the next several days. Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

As temperatures and humidity climb, heat-related illnesses can happen quickly, especially if you're spending time outdoors. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life.

🟡 Heat exhaustion is serious and should be treated immediately by moving to a cool place, hydrating and resting.

🔴 Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone has a high body temperature, becomes confused, loses consciousness or stops sweating, call 911 immediately.

Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing and check on children, older adults, neighbors and anyone working outdoors.

Need a place to cool off? Find a cooling center near you at on.in.gov/coolingcenters.

06/20/2026

After a storm passes, cleanup can present its own hazards. Before removing debris, watch for downed power lines, unstable trees, damaged structures and hidden sharp objects. Wear sturdy shoes, gloves and other appropriate protective equipment when cleaning up storm damage.

Never touch downed utility lines, and use caution when operating chainsaws or other power equipment. Taking a few extra minutes to work safely can help prevent injuries during recovery.

Find more storm recovery and safety information at getprepared.in.gov.