A tornado warning or thunderstorm warning will be issued by the National Weather Service when severe weather has been sighted or indicated by radar.
People close to the storm should take shelter immediately and remain there until the danger has passed. If you're further away, be prepared to take cover if threatening conditions are sighted.
To learn more, call Public Safety at 319-398-7777.
It is the responsibility of all faculty and staff to be familiar with current emergency procedures and to direct/instruct all students, guests, and others of the procedures and of the suggested shelter areas.
Individuals should seek shelter in building interiors preferably on lower levels, and use areas such as hallways, or rooms without windows, and with doors that close. Avoid windows or areas with large amounts of glass, and large open areas such as atriums, gymnasiums, lobbies.
Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week has been given its own topic. Learn more below.
Monday
Severe Thunderstorms – Severe thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs, and vehicles. Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees, or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so always pay attention to the weather so you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning and heavy rains can lead to flash flooding.
Tuesday
Receiving Warning Information – With technology today, there are many ways to be alerted to weather warnings and watches. The most important point is to be intentional and proactive:
Wednesday
Tornadoes – A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down toward the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time throughout the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states.
Thursday
Family Preparedness – Disasters of all kinds disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will work to assist you, but you need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. Being prepared for a disaster can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany them.
There are five key elements to a disaster plan:
Friday
Flash Floods – Flash flooding, one of the leading thunderstorm killers, is a rapid rise in small creeks and waterways, usually from excessive rains. Flash flooding can also occur with ice jams on rivers or if a dam fails.
When flash flooding is observed, or a warning is issued for your area, take action to protect yourself and property:
The Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO) includes any potential weather hazard out to seven (7) days. It is used for planning purposes and includes a short description of what the weather threat is, when it is expected, and whether storm spotter activation will be needed. The HWO is issued daily around 5:00 a.m., and updated during the day as needed. It is also broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio at the top and bottom of every hour.
Get an explanation of outlook categories used by the Storm Prediction Center here.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) when there is a potential for severe thunderstorms to form or move into the area. A severe thunderstorm consists of wind gusts of 58 mph or higher, or 1" diameter size hail or larger. Severe thunderstorms occasionally do produce tornadoes with little advance warning. A Watch is typically in effect for about 6 hours and covers a region of a state.
A Flash Flood Watch is issued when the potential for flash flooding exists. Usually these are issued when abundant, heavy rainfall is expected from thunderstorms, especially if the ground is already near saturation. Flash Flood Watches are sometimes issued if there is a possibility of a dam failure as well.
A Tornado Watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) when there is potential for severe thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes. Thunderstorms may be more severe and the atmosphere is favorable for rotation within thunderstorms and tornado development. A Watch is typically in effect for about 6 hours and covers a region of a state.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a thunderstorm is or is expected to produce wind gusts of 58 mph or higher, or 1" diameter size hail or larger. In this case, either severe weather has been reported or the thunderstorm looks severe based on Doppler Radar. The warning is typically in effect for 30 to 60 minutes and usually covers a county.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a rapid rise in small creeks and streams is expected. Flash Flooding or mudslides are expected or occurring. The warning is typically in effect for 2 to 3 hours and covers a county.
A Tornado Warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is or is expected to produce a tornado. In this case, either a tornado has been spotted or rotation is being detected within the thunderstorm on Doppler Radar. The warning is typically in effect for 30 to 60 minutes and usually covers a county. Tornado Warnings are issued infrequently and should be taken very seriously.