At The University of Alabama, one of our core principles is ensuring the personal safety of our students, faculty, and staff during severe weather events. The following guidelines are designed to assist in responding to severe weather on campus.
As a residential campus, many of our students live on or near campus. We recognize that some students and faculty commute from nearby counties, which may face weather-related issues not present in Tuscaloosa. All individuals should take necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.
Whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning, people in the path of the storm should take immediate life-saving actions.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
Notifications
- If a severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch or tornado warning is issued that includes the campus, students, faculty and staff will receive notification of the severe weather through some or all of these methods:
- UA Alerts, which simultaneously deploys text messages, emails and phone calls
- Through the UA Safety mobile app
- Digital signage located in campus buildings
- Notifications on UA office phones
- Desktop notifications on computers that have the Alertus Desktop Notification software installed and that are on the UA network
- Campus PA system
- Through the @UA_Safety social media accounts on X, Facebook and Instagram
- Through 92.5 FM UA Info Radio and other local TV and radio stations
- Through the UA Alerts and Emergency Information website
- Crimson Ride bus marquees
- Students, faculty, and staff will also receive notifications when the severe weather threat for the campus area has ended.
Severe Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are common in Alabama occurring year-round and at any hour. All thunderstorms are dangerous and produce lightning which can injure or kill. Thunderstorms are also associated with tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flooding. A thunderstorm is classified as severe when it contains one or more of the following: hail one inch or greater, winds gusting more than 57.5 mph, or a tornado.
When the National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning for the campus area, seek shelter in a campus building away from windows until the storm passes.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air attached to thunderstorms that come in contact with the ground. They are spawned from powerful thunderstorms and can cause fatalities and devastation in seconds. High winds, up to 300 mph, and flying debris can result in significant damage to vehicles and buildings.
Tornado Watches
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and around the watch area. When a tornado watch is issued that includes the UA campus, you should:
- Pay attention to the weather and be ready to move to a safe place if a tornado warning is issued.
- Designated campus storm shelters and Best Available Refuge Areas (BARAs) will open when a tornado watch is issued and will remain open for the duration of the watch. The location of campus storm shelters and BARAs can be found on the Office of Emergency Management’s website, in the UA Safety mobile app, and on the UA campus map.
Tornado Warnings
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar.
If a tornado warning is issued for the UA campus, all University activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. Crimson Ride buses will immediately suspend operations, and the driver will direct passengers to shelter in select buildings.
When a tornado warning is issued, you should:
- Seek shelter immediately. If you cannot safely travel to a University storm shelter, seek shelter in the closest campus Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) location. BARA locations for all campus buildings can also be found on the Building Emergency Plan posted near entry/exit locations and within the UA Safety mobile app.
- If you live off campus and cannot safely make it to campus to shelter, storm shelters are also located throughout Tuscaloosa County. Visit the Tuscaloosa County EMA website to find the closest storm shelter to your location.
- If you are not on campus or cannot safely reach a storm shelter, seek shelter on the lowest floor in the center of the building and stay away from windows. Do not seek shelter in a vehicle or mobile home. If you live in an apartment building, seek shelter on the lowest level. Do not remain in apartments on upper floors.