June 12, 2026 Update from the Mayor

Friday, June 12, 2026 Farmers Market Cancelled Due to Thursday Night Storm

Thursday Night Storm Update

The Thursday night storm caused more widespread property damage than the Wednesday storm. As of this writing ComEd reports that there are 6,092 Hickory Hills customers without electrical service. The outages are widespread with many who had power after the Wednesday storm now without power and those who lost power initially still without power. Most towns in the region are experiencing similar outage scenarios so in my opinion restoring power will certainly take multiple days at best. To be clear, ComEd has not yet provided an ETA on power restoration.

Last night the City of Hickory Hills Public Works department worked throughout the night and this morning to clear tree debris from the streets. Our police department patrolled throughout the evening and assisted with traffic control and other immediate post-storm needs. The Roberts Park and North Palos Fire Departments drove the streets to identify live wires and other dangerous situations.

City Response From Here and Recommendations

First of all, we are extremely pleased that we have not received any news of injuries to our residents as a result of the storm. Unfortunately, one of our police officers was injured during a traffic accident when a motorist failed to yield despite the officer having the squad lights activated. Fortunately, the officer is expected to fully recover. This is a reminder that our police officers and public works employees put themselves at risk every day while serving our community. Please use extra care when driving since city personnel will be working in the streets during the cleanup.

Over the course of the next week, Hickory Hills Public Works personnel will continue tree, branch and debris cleanup along our streets. If you have driven the area, you will understand that this will take considerable time as residents assess and begin property clean up. We ask for your patience in this clean up effort, but assure you that our publics work department will get the job done. Public Works will remove loose and hanging branches from parkway trees. Parkway trees damaged, but still standing will be assessed at a later date since focus for now is to remove any risky situations. Like me, many of us who have lived here for over 50 years have not seen such widespread damage so we appreciate your understanding.

Our water system remains operational and the water is safe to drink. We of course would have let you know if that was not the case. However, due to the widespread power outage, both in Hickory Hills and surrounding communities, we would ask you to limit your water usage to avoid potential sewer backups. We simply ask that you consider taking a shorter shower, delay sprinkling the lawn (not that it needs it after all the rain) and flush toilets less when liquid waste.

Avoid Tree Scammers!

As I recall from our last high wind event that struck town a number of years ago, you likely will see trucks driving around the neighborhood offering to assist with tree and debris clean up. It is important to state that regardless of what the tree cutting might say, the City of Hickory Hills does NOT partner with or have any contractual relationship with these tree services. As they say, buyer beware. It would be strongly recommended that you do not pay cash upfront to a tree service and that you do your homework to confirm that the service is reputable and can be trusted. Should you retain a tree contractor to perform your tree clearing work, please be aware that they are responsible to take debris with them.

Should you have property damage we would encourage you to contact your insurance company representative regarding any claims process.

Please keep an eye on any elderly neighbors who may need assistance. We are working with our provider to get the city phone system back online. As always, please call 911 for any emergencies.

Mayor Mike