Follow these safety instructions for a tornado watch or warning.
For any on-campus emergency, contact Campus Safety.
Tornadoes usually occur in the spring and summer; they are formed by severe thunderstorms. Considered nature's most violent, erratic storm, they consist of whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can sweep through an area, causing serious damage and destruction. In addition to injuries and structural damage, electrical shorts, gas leaks, etc., may create fires or other hazards.
When weather conditions are considered favorable for creating a tornado—for example during a severe thunderstorm—a tornado watch is issued.
When a tornado funnel has been sighted or identified by radar, a tornado warning is issued. Take shelter immediately. Remember that tornadoes can form and move quickly; therefore there may not be adequate time to issue a warning. Be alert to the fact that severe thunderstorms could trigger a tornado and be prepared.
When a tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service, the on-call residence directors and Campus Safety staff will be notified.
The Emergency Alert system will issue a message to the community informing them that the campus is under a Tornado Warning and that everyone should proceed immediately to building basements away from windows. All available Campus Life and Campus Safety staff will assist in the effort to relocate and inform those on campus.