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Office of Emergency Management
Severe Weather Information
Severe Weather Information
There are many weather threats the university and the North Texas region face, including Tornados, Storms, Floods, Winter Storms and also the effects of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. Due to the level of risk these various storms may cause the following information has been provided to better prepare our university and students on how to properly react in times of emergency due to these various acts of nature.
This is what not to do!
Tornado Facts:
- Peak tornado season in the South is March through May; in the North, it is late spring through early summer.
- They may strike quickly, with little or no warning. Winds may also die down and than pick up again.
- They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
- Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
- Look for the following danger signs: Dark greenish sky, hail, low-lying clouds, or loud roar.
- A tornado WATCH is to prepare people of a possible threat, while a WARNING is when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and is imminent.
- Tornados are measured on an F-Scale called the Fujita Scale and are measured by six categories as shown below.
What to Do?
- Be prepared to take shelter immediately when storms are approaching.
- When a tornado is sighted, the most important rule is to get low and stay low.
- Never stay in a vehicle or chase the storm.
- If outside and no shelter is available, take cover on low, protected ground, such as a ditch.
- In a house, dorm or apartment immediately take cover in a small room, such as a bathroom or closet away from windows and crouch, covering your head.
- In a building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area on the lowest floor in the center of the building away from glass and crouch, covering your head.
- Be awarew, not scared! Know the severe weather shelter areas on campus.