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:
- Southern's website home page
- TV Channel 9 (on the screen and online)
- WDEF 92.3 FM (on the air and online)
- WSMC 90.5 FM (on the air)
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 |
Whoop 30 Message 30 Whoop 30 Message 30 Whoop 60 |
HazMat |
Short Wail (Attack) | Up & Down Quickly | Attack |
Attention - Listen for |
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
- National Weather Service, Southern Region
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Find directions on what to do in the event of a tornado, a hurricane, or other severe weather warnings
- The Weather Channel - Check local forecast information
Tornado Links
Emergency Preparedness