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Severe Weather

Following are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding weather-related incidents.
Call 423.236.2100 for additional information.
Does the school close because of inclement weather?

The school rarely closes since Southern is primarily a residential campus. Southern reports delays and closures in the following ways:

What happens if there is snow or ice?
In the event of snow or ice, Colcord Drive is closed to through traffic. Take alternate routes to campus buildings to avoid Colcord Drive. Be careful on roads with curves, especially curves shaded by trees. Drive carefully on bridges and steep hills. Keep an eye out for ice and slippery spots when walking on sidewalks and steps.
What if I hear the tornado siren?

If you hear the tornado siren, find shelter immediately. The best places are areas with no windows and with strong structural support, such as under a staircase.

Tone Sounds Like     Wav File Means Duration (seconds)  Message

Whoop & Wail

Low to High

Break

Up & Down Slowly

  Wail Tornado
Warning

Whoop 30

Message 30

Whoop 30

Message 30

Wail 240

  Tornado
Whoop

Low to High

Break

  Whoop

Hazardous
Material
Release

Whoop 30

Message 30

Whoop 30

Message 30

Whoop 60

  HazMat
Short Wail (Attack) Up & Down Quickly  Attack

Attention -

Listen for
message

Tone 30

Message 30

Tone 30

Live Message 240

  Attention
Alert

Steady, Even Tone

  Alert All Clear

Tone 30

Message 30

Tone 30

Message 30

  All Clear
TORNADO MESSAGE

Emergency! Tornado warning! A tornado has been sighted. Take shelter immediately. Wait for all clear message. Emergency! This is a tornado warning. Take shelter.

HAZMAT MESSAGE

Emergency! A hazardous material accident has occurred. Listen for instructions to follow. Emergency! A hazardous material accident has occurred. Listen for instructions to follow.

ATTENTION MESSAGE

Attention! Attention! Listen for important instructions to follow. Attention! Attention! Listen for important instructions to follow.

ALL-CLEAR MESSAGE

The emergency has been cleared. Resume normal activities. The emergency has been cleared. Resume normal activities. The emergency has been cleared. Resume normal activities.

 

Here are signs that a tornado may be coming:

  • a drop in temperature
  • the wind shifting directions radically
  • hail storms
  • quietness
  • a continuous rumble that seems to last several minutes
  • a high-pitched whistle, almost deafening

Weather Information

Tornado Links

Emergency Preparedness