University Of Alabama: Tornado Watch Vs. Warning: What's The Difference?

Press release from the University of Alabama:

February 21st, 2022

Severe weather can happen at any time in Alabama. To help you prepare, The University of Alabama is offering information on severe weather and safety tips during Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 21-25.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

The University will issue a UA Alert for all tornado watches and warnings.

If Tuscaloosa County is placed under a tornado watch, here’s what you should do

When a tornado watch is issued, classes and campus events will continue as scheduled. Crimson Ride buses will also continue to operate.

While tornado watches are generally issued for a large area and include several counties, tornado warnings are issued for a small area.

If the UA campus is included in a tornado warning, it means a tornado has been seen or indicated on weather radar. There is danger to life and property. You should:

During a tornado warning, all classes and campus events are suspended. Campus Ride buses will stop operating, and drivers will direct passengers to take shelter in the nearest building.

Classes that are in session when a tornado warning is issued can resume immediately after the warning has expired at the discretion of the instructor. Classes that have not yet begun when the warning is issued will resume 30 minutes after the warning has expired provided at least half of the class period remains.

Watch the video below to learn more about what to do in a tornado warning.

This press release was produced by the University of Alabama. The views expressed here are the author’s own.