Tornadoes

On average, North Central Texas is subject to 12 tornadoes annually. If you know that severe weather is possible or occurring, be on the lookout for watches and warnings issued by National Weather Service (NWS). Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advanced warning is not always possible, so it is important to know what to look for and how to protect yourself. 

What to look for: 

• Narrow, violently rotating column of air. 
• Develop in/near the wall cloud of a thunderstorm.
• Damaging straight-line winds and large hail. 
• Often rain-wrapped and difficult to see. 

Tornado Watch:

• A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch, remain alert and monitor the weather in the event of announcements. 

Tornado Warning:

• A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or radar indicates rotation in the clouds. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Tarrant County, take the following actions:

Protective Actions:

• Adhere to NWS watches and warnings. 
• Adhere to UTA Campus Emergency Notifications. 
• Seek shelter if a tornado is imminent or in progress. 
• Know your designated shelter location for your work area. If you do not know where the closest shelter location is, ask your supervisor.
• Tornado shelter characteristics: 
  
  • Basements and ground floors are best. 
  • If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Make sure to stay away from windows. 
  • Lower-level interior bathrooms provide good protection. The plumbing provides additional sturdiness to the walls. 
  • Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in your car. Leave your car immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If no shelter is available, get out of the vehicle and find a low-lying area (ditch, ravine, etc.), lay flat on your stomach and cover your head with your hands.