06/11/2026
***Post Update - our entire area has been moved to a Level 4 (Moderate Risk)***
Yesterday, the rapid intensification of the storms caused some widespread damage. Today, we have been moved to a Level 3 (Enhanced) risk of sever thunderstorms that include the possibility of 80+ mph winds, tornados, and heavy rains.
Be weather aware have a plan to shelter.
Remember that any activation of the tornado siren in town is meant to warn people outside to seek shelter immediately (not to grab your phone and take pictures or videos). The siren will sound not only for tornado warnings, but also if an alert is received for severe thunderstorms capable of producing DESTRUCTIVE winds that are defined as being in excess of 80 miles per hour.
The Village of Hinckley and the Hinckley Fire District partnered to automate this siren and it does have redundancy built in to it so that it can be activated manually through specific smartphones, radios, and other back-up measures, but no system is perfect.
Also, keep in mind that the siren is audible in a town of approximately 1 square mile, but the Fire District covers more than 64 square miles and currently, there are no other sirens in the District. We strongly recommend having a NOAA weather radio and making sure your smartphone settings allow for severe weather alerts.
