Hardin County EMA

03/14/2024

We're continuing to track the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms across the region, mainly from late this afternoon through late tonight. Severe weather parameters have remained unchanged or even ticked up slightly across southeast Missouri. Right now, our main concerns look to be large hail (potentially up to 2 inches in diameter or larger) and damaging winds, but a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out as well. We'll provide updates as they become available.

03/13/2024

A cold front will pass through the area Thursday evening into Thursday night, touching off a line of showers and thunderstorms. A few of the storms may become strong to severe, mainly across southeast Missouri into southern Illinois. The main threats are large hail, damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall.

Confidence is low in the timing of the storms and also in the eastward extent of the severe weather threat into western Kentucky and southwest Indiana.

02/28/2024

Here is the latest for the upcoming severe thunderstorm potential this evening and overnight.

02/27/2024

Weather briefing for tonight's severe weather potential. Most of the thunderstorm activity tonight is forecast to occur from 9 PM through 5 PM, give or take an hour or two, generally translating from our northern/western counties to our southern/eastern counties through the night.

The main concerns continue to be damaging winds and large hail. A few tornadoes are also possible with what may be more discrete cells during the evening, transitioning to more of a squall line during the overnight hours.

Outside of storms, wind gusts to 40 mph are expected today. In the wake of the cold frontal passage tonight, much colder weather is expected on Wednesday with morning wind chills in the teens and 20s.

02/24/2024

Following the facility closure announcements of the Golden Circle Senior Centers Thursday, State Senator Dale Fowler and State Representative Patrick Windhorst have worked diligently with administrators and state agencies to prevent closures at the senior centers.

“This morning, I immediately called for a meeting with Golden Circle Administrators to learn more about the problems the center is facing and how my office can help,” said Senator Fowler. “Since this meeting, I have been in direct contact with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office to find out what funds are owed by the State of Illinois to the facilities.”

Through communications from state officials with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office, it was determined that $136,000 in voucher reimbursements are owed to Golden Circle.

“I have been assured this money will be released immediately to keep these vital resource centers open and operational in our communities,” said Fowler.

Representative Windhorst gives credit to a team effort that came together quickly led by Senator Fowler and joined by the Illinois Comptroller’s office.

“I am happy to have been able to assist in helping Golden Circle solve this important issue. The residents that rely on the services provided by Golden Circle will now be able to continue to receive those vital services, continue with their activities, and maintain their quality of life,” Windhorst said. “I am thankful to Senator Fowler, and to Comptroller Mendoza for their hard work and leadership on this issue. We must do everything we can to protect and defend vulnerable populations and those receiving necessary services in Southern Illinois."

“I want to graciously thank Senator Dale Fowler and Representative Windhorst for their immediate attention in helping us find a solution to keep our doors open,” said Gloria Stacey, Golden Circle Senior Center, Executive Director. “Because of the expedited process in receiving state funds, it is with a warm heart I announce that the Golden Circle Senior Centers will now remain open.”

During meetings with Golden Circle, it was also learned of potential funding delays involving Managed Care Organizations used by the facilities. Senator Fowler and Representative Windhorst will remain in contact with governmental affairs personnel of the Managed Care Organizations regarding that funding as well.

“These facilities play a vital role for our senior citizen community and the 90 employees that work there. I commend the Comptroller’s office for their swift response in the releasing of these funds and I will continue to closely monitor this situation in the coming weeks and months ahead,” concluded Senator Fowler.

02/22/2024

**Please share, hopefully they can get donations to help them until they can find funding!!!

Golden Circle Senior Facilities Slated to Close in Four Southeastern Illinois Counties

HARRISBURG, Ill. -- Four senior care facilities are slated to close in four southeastern Illinois counties due to uncollected payments.

02/22/2024

AT&T/ FirstNet customers and those that are carried on AT&T towers are experiencing a nationwide outage this morning as of 4AM. Customers cannot make or receive voice and data calls, including 9 1 1 calls. The preliminary cause is unknown. We encourage you to switch to wi-fi calling if you are able. This is a nationwide issue.

02/16/2024

Not much has changed with the going forecast; however, snowfall totals have been nudged up a bit along and north of the I-64 corridor. The big challenge/question is how the warm temperatures over the past few days will impact snow accumulations on warmer ground/road temperatures. Any heavier snow/sleet bursts or bands will have the greatest chance of creating slush-covered and slippery roadways. Again, portions of southern IL and southwest IN will have the greatest chance of seeing any travel impacts.

02/15/2024

A rain to snow transition is expected tomorrow as cold air moves into the Quad State region. Some mixing of sleet is possible. Warm surface conditions, and most of this precipitation occurring during daytime hours, will help limit snow accumulations primarily to grassy and elevated surfaces, though slushy roads and sidewalks can occur, especially with localized heavier bursts. The higher accumulations of around an inch are likely to be along the I-64 corridor, with lighter amounts further south.

02/15/2024

Another round of light wintry weather is possible Friday into Friday evening as temperatures steadily fall throughout the day. The precipitation will likely start as rain before gradually transitioning to snow from the north. Current trends have the best chance of seeing an inch or more of snow north of I-64; however, a dusting of snow will be possible farther south.

Impacts are expected to be minimal at this time as most accumulation will remain on grassy and possibly elevated surfaces. Wind chill values will also drop for Saturday morning and again Sunday morning with values dropping as low as +10 to +15 degrees (a few single digit readings will be possible in southern IL and southwest IN).