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Macon County Continues Storm Recovery Efforts As Some Residents Still Without Power

By Lindsay Romano Jun 18, 2026 | 3:19 PM

June 18, 2026 – Recovery efforts are continuing across Macon County following severe weather that swept through the area Wednesday evening, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage to trees, utility infrastructure and structures throughout the county.

According to an update from Macon County Emergency Management, no injuries have been reported as a result of the storms.

Emergency officials said reports of damaged buildings have been received, while extensive tree damage has been documented in communities across the county. Significant impacts were also reported to power lines, utility poles and residential electrical service connections.

As of 3:00pm Thursday, over 6,000 customers remained without power. Crews from Ameren Illinois are actively conducting damage assessments and restoration operations in affected areas. Many outages in the Decatur area are expected to be resolved by 11pm Friday evening.

Residents are being reminded to use caution around damaged utility infrastructure and to stay away from downed power lines, which should always be considered energized. Any downed lines should be reported immediately.

Macon County Emergency Management said local damage assessments and unmet needs surveys are underway to help determine the full extent of storm-related damage and identify any assistance that may be needed as recovery efforts continue.  To complete the damage self assessment, click HERE. 

Officials are also urging residents to exercise caution while traveling, avoid areas where debris or damaged utility equipment is present, and check on neighbors who may need assistance during the recovery process.

For debris, the City of Decatur has announced they will assist Decatur residents with tree debris cleanup. Tree limbs/debris must be placed at the curb, and a request for pickup must be made before Monday, June 29.

A reminder that right now Decatur garbage customers have unlimited weekly yard waste collection. If you have smaller debris that can fit in a yard waste container, please use that service. If you cannot dispose using the yard waste service:
  • Trees and limbs must be brought to the curb before Monday, June 29
  • Trees and limbs must be cut so they are no longer than six feet in length
  • We will not collect any other garbage, fence posts, or building debris. If these are on the tree debris pile, it will not be collected
Public Works crews will begin pickup on Monday, June 29. Please avoid parking in front of debris piles once pickup begins as this will prevent crews from reaching them with equipment. Due to liability issues, City crews cannot come onto private property. Tree debris must be at the curb for pickup.
Crews will pick up all tree debris piles that are reported.