Severe Weather and Tornadoes
Tornado alerts from the National Weather Service are issued by counties. The University will only issue an alert for a tornado warning if the University community is included in the warning area.
Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch means severe weather is possibly approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary.
Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warning means threatening conditions are imminent or have been indicated by Doppler radar or reported by storm spotters. The SIUE emergency alert system is connected to the NWS and an alert will be issued automatically if a tornado warning is issued for any segment of the city that includes our main campus property.
- Monitor local TV stations, radio stations, NOAA weather radio, weather-related websites, etc., for severe weather updates.
- DO NOT wait until you see a tornado. Resist the temptation to go outside and check conditions.
- Be prepared to take shelter on the lowest level of your building or a small, windowless interior room or hallway, when a tornado warning is issued.
- Stay away from windows and exterior doors, or large free-standing expanses like lecture halls or cafeterias. Do not use elevators.
- Move to an interior hallway for shelter.
