Severe Weather

A tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.

If a tornado threatens the campus directly and the campus community needs to seek shelter immediately, UAPD will send a RazALERT message and activate the campus outdoor warning sirens. Take shelter immediately during a tornado warning and consider the DUCK method to stay safe:

  • Down to the lowest part of your home/building
  • Under something
  • Center of house/building
  • Keep away from windows and exterior doors

In most university buildings, the safest area is the basement. If a basement is not available, occupants should move to the central portion of the building on the lowest floor possible away from outside walls and glass.

In residence halls, occupants will be directed to the restrooms on their respective floors or an interior room without windows or glass.

Large unsupported roof structures, as typically found in auditoriums and gymnasiums, should be avoided if possible.

Individuals should anticipate the tornado warning could last a long time, perhaps thirty-minutes or longer.

Individuals should not leave shelter until the threat of the tornado has passed.

An “all clear” notice will NOT be sent out through RazALERT./p>

Help direct people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

Instructors: interrupt class activity and advise the students to move to the safest area available. Should the allotted class time expire during the warning, the instructor should encourage the students to remain in the safe area until the threat of the tornado has passed.

Monitor weather information on local TV, their mobile apps, or social media:

If Outdoors:

If there is no shelter nearby, go to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine and lie flat. Protect your head and neck with an object or with your arms. Move away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines. Listen to instructions on immediate actions from the campus outdoor warning siren.