Sherman Emergency Management Agency

05/12/2026

Two things to keep in mind today. First, a Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect through 7 PM. With south-southwest winds gusting to 37 mph, visibility could drop quickly on open stretches of I-55 and I-72, especially during the evening commute window. Give yourself extra following distance. Second, storms are possible tonight, mainly between 8 and 11 PM. SPC has us under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for today, so nothing widespread expected, but a storm or two could be briefly strong. Get outdoor plans wrapped up before dark and keep your phone nearby.

05/11/2026

The NWS released preliminary 2026 tornado totals today, and Illinois is currently leading the nation.

Unfortunately, that puts us at the top of a list no one wants to lead. These numbers are still preliminary and subject to change, but they are a clear reminder of how active this severe weather season has already been.

Stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and make sure your family or organization has a plan before the next warning is issued.

Source: NOAA/NWS preliminary tornado report data via NWS Lincoln, IL.

05/05/2026

Rain showers are likely to continue through this afternoon and into the evening, tapering off after midnight. Nothing severe, just a gray, damp Tuesday. Keep an umbrella handy for the evening commute home. By Wednesday we clear out, with sunshine returning and highs climbing back to the upper 50s and low 60s heading into the second half of the week.

05/05/2026

We should have shared this yesterday, but for those wondering why the City of Springfield’s sirens are sounding multiple times.

This applies only to the City of Springfield and does not represent the status of our sirens.

Extended Severe Weather Siren Test – Tomorrow, Tuesday May 5

The City of Springfield will be conducting an extended siren test on Tuesday, May 5 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. to ensure the system reliability

What to expect:
• Sirens may sound longer than usual
• You may hear repeated cycles throughout the testing period

This is only a test; no action is needed.

Please help spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors to avoid any confusion.

City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) Visit Springfield Lincoln Library, The Public Library of Springfield, IL Springfield Illinois Fire Department Springfield Police Department - Illinois

05/04/2026

Two separate hazards today, so let's break it down. First up: blowing dust is reducing visibility to under half a mile across the area from 11 AM through 6 PM. If you're on I-55 or I-72 during that window, slow down and increase your following distance. Blowing dust can cut visibility faster than you expect.

The more significant story arrives later. Thunderstorms become likely tonight, with the main window running from roughly 11 PM through 1 AM. Some of these storms could produce wind gusts near 60 mph and inch-sized hail. Heavy rain is also possible, with a half to three-quarters of an inch through tonight. If evening commuters headed home on I-55 get delayed, watch for that storm timing to shift closer to your commute window as well.

Keep your phone charged and notifications on. Know where you'll shelter if a warning drops overnight.

05/03/2026

Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect until 7 PM tonight as southwest winds gust to 30+ mph kick up reduced visibility. Keep that in mind if you're on I-55 or I-72 this evening.

Beyond the dust, a multi-round severe weather setup is developing. A slight chance of storms exists this evening, but the bigger story is Monday night into Tuesday.

05/01/2026

As you may have noticed, we’ve increased our social media presence and are working to improve the weather information we share.

With that in mind, we’d appreciate your feedback.

What’s working well? What would you like to see more of, or done differently?

05/01/2026

Rain wraps up tonight, then a really nice stretch of weather takes over. Friday and Saturday bring sunshine and highs in the upper 50s, perfect for getting outside after a grey week. The one catch: Friday and Saturday nights will be cold, with lows dropping to the upper 30s. If you have plants out, bring them in or cover them before you go to bed. Sunday warms back up nicely to around 70.

04/28/2026

Sherman experienced severe weather tonight, and outdoor warning sirens were activated due to rotation over the community. We’re thankful to report no injuries or major damage.

Reminder:

Sirens are meant to be heard outdoors
Have multiple ways to receive alerts
Do not drive through flooded roads

We appreciate the community’s quick response.

(Thank you to the Sherman Fire Protection District for this photo tonight)

04/27/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect right now until 9:45 AM, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch runs through 4:00 PM this afternoon. This is an active severe weather day. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary threats with any storm that develops. Storms are likely through at least mid-evening, with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches expected by the time everything clears out. Stay weather-aware through this afternoon, keep your phone charged and alerts on, and hold off on any outdoor plans until after dark when the watch expires.