Iroquois County EMA

05/14/2026

A warmer, more humid, and stormier pattern is expected late Friday through early next week. Some storms may be severe in the region at times.

05/12/2026

Gusty southwesterly winds through early this evening may lead to blowing dust near farm fields. Localized visibility reductions to less than 1 mile will be possible, primarily in rural areas south of I-80 where a Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect. The strong winds and low relative humidity may also lead to an elevated fire danger in drier agricultural fields.

05/11/2026

Iroquois County EMA Director Anderson is participating in the "Hotwash" or after action review of the Kankakee County EF-3 tornado that happened March 10th.

05/08/2026

Director Anderson and the staff at Iroquois County EMA would like to wish Mr. Whitebird and Susan all the best in their future endeavors.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18q6ksyrWv/

PAXTON — Terry Whitebird is stepping down as coordinator of the Ford County Emergency Management Agency, he said Friday. Whitebird, who turns 57 next week, said it is “time for a new chapter in my life.” He said he has worked in emergency management in various capacities for “20 years.” Wh...

05/05/2026

Iroquois County will be conducting the monthly test of the “Outdoor Warning Sirens” today. Illinois Law requires tests to be conducted at 10:00 am on the first Tuesday of each month.

Should the Outdoor Warning Sirens sound at any time other than the monthly test, tune to local radio station WGFA 94.1for the latest information and possible emergency instructions.

05/04/2026

A severe thunderstorm watch may be issued for our county soon.

05/04/2026

Thunderstorms are expected to develop along and south of a cold front late this afternoon and evening. Strong to locally damaging winds (and possibly blowing dust in farming areas) will be the main hazard with the strongest storms, but a few storms may produce hail as well.

Approximate favored timing windows for storms in different parts of the area are detailed on the right side inset map on the graphic.

05/04/2026

It will be warm and breezy today, with potential for blowing dust in rural areas. The strong winds and low relative humidity may also lead to an elevated fire danger in drier agricultural fields. Thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon into this evening, and a few may become strong to severe with damaging winds as the primary threat. Rain will then continue into tomorrow in areas mainly near and south of I-80. Cooler temperatures will also return for the middle of the week.

05/04/2026

BLOWING DUST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM CDT THIS MORNING TO 6
PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Visibility as low as a quarter mile in blowing dust,
particularly in open agricultural areas.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.

* WHEN...From 11 AM CDT this morning to 6 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility could vary rapidly over short
distances, slow down and exercise caution driving in open areas
this afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay
indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in
visibility to near zero. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing
sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far
as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the
way off and keep foot off the brake pedal. Remember, 'Pull Aside,
Stay Alive'.

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

Patchy fog will lead to locally reduced visibility this morning, especially around and east of the I-57 corridor. For example, check out the view in Fowler right now.

If traveling early this morning, prepare for locally reduced visibility. Use low-beam headlights, and increase following distance.

Fog should erode by 9 AM.