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Tornado Information
North Texas is in “Tornado Alley,” an area in which severe storms and tornados are more likely to occur.
A tornado watch means that weather conditions make a tornado more likely.
A tornado warning means that either local storm spotters have sighted a tornado or a tornado had been indicated by local radar. Once a tornado warning has been given, persons in the path should seek shelter immediately. Austin College relies on the warnings given by TV, radio and local civil defense sirens to alert the campus of severe weather. The closest is Bryan Apartments.
The best sources for weather updates are local TV and Radio Stations, and NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radio is a continual broadcast that can be heard via police scanners (frequency #162.475), on the local cable TV radar channel, or on special pocket radios designed to receive the broadcast.
Tornados are difficult to predict and there is sometimes very little or no notice that one is about to strike. If a tornado warning situation arises, building occupants should follow the steps listed in the tornado warning.
Other severe weather situations to pay close attention to include thunderstorm and flash flood watches and warnings.
Follow These Steps if a Tornado Warning is Given
- Do NOT leave the building.
- Stay away from windows.
- Do NOT use the elevator.
- IMMEDIATELY move to the lowest level of the building. If the building has a basement that is accessible, go there. Otherwise, stay on the ground level floor. Stay in an inner room or hallway area that is isolated from glass doors and windows.
- IF A TORNADO STRIKES, do NOT go outside to survey the damage. A second tornado sometimes strikes the same area after the first one has moved through.
- Stay calm and continue to monitor local weather broadcasts until the storms are no longer a threat.
View a list of Tornado Shelter Areas in each building on campus.
Emergency Outdoor Siren
The following links are provided in order to familiarize the Austin College community of the different tones/sounds for the emergency outdoor siren in the event of severe weather/tornado or a campus lockdown.