Manhattan Emergency Management Agency

04/27/2026

04/18/2026

Rest easy Manhattan. We are finally in the clear for the severe weather threat. Now to dry out the mud AGAIN...

04/18/2026

Here it comes! Hopefully your outdoor furniture is secured and if the sirens go off, please don't go outside to look. Thats what we do! All seriousness though, everyone stay safe and get ready for whats to come. Updates will be posted after the storms go through of damage or road closures (hopefully none🤞)

JWC SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE

We are continuing to monitor a line of severe thunderstorms out to our west as they continue to move east northeasterly. Many tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings are currently active. Be prepared if a warning is issued.

Statement issued by:
Danny Dutkiewicz

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The JWC proudly serves the City of Joliet and all communities surrounding, including New Lenox, Elwood, Rockdale, Channahon, Shorewood, Plainfield, Crest Hill and Lockport. Please note that forecasts, statements, watches and warnings are strictly for the above mentioned communities.

04/17/2026

Here we go again. Another forecast that shows our area in the crosshairs. Unfortunately when the forecasters "swing and miss" multiple times, it leads the public to discount future event severity. We caution you that this one doesn't look to miss us. We may not be in the running for tornadoes, but the 90mph wind gust can do the same damage especially if its a big wall of wind. As always, have a way to receive weather alerts. And sidenote: You may not want to sleep without clothes on tonight.

04/14/2026

We are monitoring the skies and the radar today. As any forecast goes, its a probability, not a for sure thing. Always have a way to receive weather alerts and stay safe! Our outdoor warning sirens are functioning properly but are designed for people outdoors so don't wait until you hear the sirens to take action.

There remains the potential for severe weather later today across the region (Threat Level 2 and 3 of 5). Confidence in whether storms develop or move into the area prior to late evening here locally remains low. However, if they do, conditions are favorable for them to quickly become severe with all hazards possible! The highest tornado and destructive hail threat remains across far northern Illinois (north of black dashed line). Additional storms are then expected through the overnight hours. Have multiple ways to receive warning information, including ways to wake you up at night!

04/07/2026

During our monthly testing of the tornado sirens, we identified a few issues that require maintenance. As a result, Manhattan Emergency Services will be conducting additional testing of the tornado sirens today at 2:00 PM.
There is no emergency; this is only a test. We wanted to make the community aware of this unscheduled activity.

04/03/2026

UPDATE: emergency crews have been released and the roadway is open at the moment. ComEd will be on scene making repairs throughout the morning so SLOW DOWN and give them room to work safely!

Illinois State Police, Village of Manhattan Police Department, Manhattan Emergency Management Agency, and Manhattan Fire Protection District are currently out in the area of Rt 52 between Baker and Delaney due to multiple LIVE power lines down. Please avoid the area to allow crews to work safely. Unknown ETA from ComEd due to multiple outages in the area from the storms.

04/01/2026

Here are our Key Messages for Thursday (4/2).