Natural Hazards

Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air attached to thunderstorms that come in contact with the ground. They are spawned from powerful thunderstorms and can cause fatalities and devastation in seconds.  High winds (up to 300 mph) and flying debris can result in significant damage to vehicles and buildings, with damage paths of one mile wide and 50 miles long.

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides two types of tornado advisories.  The first is a Tornado Watch, which means conditions are favorable for tornadoes in or near the watch area.  The second, a Tornado Warning, is much more dangerous.  A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar in the warning area.  The NWS will add, remove, or modify advisories as conditions change.

The University will issue a UA Alert for all Tornado Watches and Tornado Warnings that include the campus.

If the campus is placed under a tornado warning by the National Weather Service:

• The outdoor warning siren on top of the Gorgas Library will activate. (Note: A siren test is conducted at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, weather permitting.)
• The University will notify the campus community using the UA Alerts system.
• Move to a tornado shelter or Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) within your building.
• BARA locations can be found on the Building Emergency Plan posted on the walls near the ingress/egress locations within each building.
• Listings of BARA locations are at Best Available Refuge Areas.
• If you cannot locate a BARA location, the next preferred area generally is on the lowest floor of most buildings, away from windows and in the center of the building.
• Classes are temporarily suspended for the duration of the warning.
• Crimson Ride buses will cease operation.
• Alert others of the warning and help persons with disabilities obtain shelter.
• If possible, bring a portable radio with you to monitor the situation.
• Remain in the storm shelter or BARA until the warning has passed and it is safe to leave.
• Report any damage or injuries to UAPD at 205-348-5454.
• Check on the well-being of your classmates, roommates, co-workers, and others.

Tornado Facts:

• Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• Tornadoes can destroy structures and lift vehicles.
• Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• Tornadoes generally move Southwest to Northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
• Peak tornado season is March through May; Tuscaloosa has a second tornado season from November to early December.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
• The average tornado lasts less than 10 minutes, but it can last from seconds to more than an hour.

Additional Resources:

• UA Severe Weather Guidelines
• UA Campus Storm Shelters
• Tuscaloosa County Storm Shelters
• FEMA Tornado Tips
• National Weather Service Tornado Safety Rules
• Tornado FAQ

According to FEMA and the National Weather Service, all thunderstorms are dangerous and produce lightning.  Each year 300 people are injured by lightning and 80 are killed.  Thunderstorms are also associated with tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flooding.

The University will issue a UA Alert for all Severe Thunderstorm Warnings that are issued for the campus. During a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter indoors until the storm has passed.

Thunderstorms facts:

• They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines.
• Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
• Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
• About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe—one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.

Lightning facts:

• Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.
• Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.
• Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• “Heat lightning” is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
• Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions.

• If flooding becomes a risk to life safety or affects access to and from campus buildings, contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 or 911 immediately.
• Remain in a safe location.
• Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown
• Follow guidance from university officials.

Please follow guidance issued by University officials for any winter weather advisories, watches, or warnings. Should you encounter sub-freezing temperatures in the Tuscaloosa area, remember these winter weather safety tips:

As you travel:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• If traveling in a vehicle, consider taking a blanket, extra coat and boots in the event your vehicle becomes disabled.
• Make certain cell phone batteries are fully charged.
• Watch for patches of ice when walking and driving. Remember, bridges have a tendency to freeze before roadways.

If you live on campus:

• If you notice leaking or ruptured pipes or encounter any other building emergencies, notify your building representative immediately, or call during normal business hours or UAPD at 205-348-5454 during non-business hours.

If you live off campus:

• Ensure doors and windows are closed to prevent cold air from entering buildings and reaching water lines.
• Keep thermostats at a reasonable temperature and avoid any setting below 60 degrees.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Protect water pipes (outside or exposed to exterior wall of buildings or run through unheated areas), by allowing the faucet to drip slowly.
• Bring your pets inside.

Additional Resources

• American Red Cross Tips
• Frostbite and Hypothermia Information
• Winter Driving Tips
• Winter Driving Tips – AAA

While The University is not near the coast, potential effects from hurricanes or tropical storms can still occur – including inland flooding, strong wind, and possible tornadoes. A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum surface wind speed ranges from 39 to 73 miles per hour. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 or greater miles per hour (NHC). Additionally, tropical cyclones can produce storm surge along the coast, spawn tornados with little or no warning, and may produce a significant rain event which may cause flooding.

Employees, students, and visitors should follow guidance communicated by University officials.

To prepare for a hurricane, here are some basic preparedness tips:

• If you live off-campus and lose power, please contact Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726.
• Stay informed. Pay attention to all hurricane/tropical storm notifications and updates sent by University officials.
• Build a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
• Make a family emergency communication plan.

According to the Geological Survey of Alabama, earthquakes are not uncommon in Alabama. However, earthquakes that do occur in the state typically rate low on the intensity scale. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Tuscaloosa has a low risk for a significant earthquake.

If an earthquake does happen, you should:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over at the first sign of shaking. Cover your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay Indoors: If you are inside, stay there. Move away from windows, glass, and heavy objects that could fall. If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• Find a Safe Spot: If you are outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. If you are driving, pull over to a clear location and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.
• Be Prepared: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, food, medications, and a flashlight.
• Stay Informed: Have ways to receive updates and instructions from local authorities.

Earthquake Resources

• FEMA Earthquake Information
• American Red Cross Earthquake Checklist
• U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program