Severe Spring Weather Guidelines

The College has released the following guidelines in the event of severe spring weather.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
• A tornado watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in the area. This not only means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to form, but also that a few storms may be capable of producing a tornado.
• A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in the area.
Tornado Danger Signs
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base (this is an indication of a tornado funnel that is still inside the cloud).
• Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can’t be seen.
• A loud, continuous roar or rumble that doesn’t fade in a few seconds like thunder.
• Debris falling from the sky.
• Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
General Severe Weather Guidelines on Campus
In the event of a severe weather condition, it is critical to seek shelter in a building that has a substantial foundation and framework.
Due to flying objects shattering windows, do not seek shelter in an area that has a window or skylight to the outdoors. Standing inside a building looking out a window watching the storm does not provide protection from an object being hurdled at high speeds.
Generally, basements, windowless stairwells, restrooms, or interior corridors that don’t have exterior windows or skylights (like hallways) are safe locations (locations at the lowest level are the safest).
Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and cafeterias. If outdoors and if possible, get inside a building.
If there’s no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area. Inside or outside, always crouch down and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Safe Locations in UCBA Buildings
• Annex-Restrooms are a safe location.
• Pavilions-Exit and seek shelter in Muntz Hall.
• Flory Center-Move to the interior corridors away from the large windows or to the restrooms.
• Walters Hall-Some areas of the corridors are safe; however, be careful to stay far away from the windows. Restrooms are a safe location as well.
• Muntz Hall-Interior corridors and restrooms are safe locations.
Beware that the corridor on the west side of the first floor has skylights. Do not stand under or near the skylights.