Severe Weather Information

Lightning Prediction System

TAMU has a lightning prediction system that is designed to alert outdoor activity participants who are in the vicinity of the prediction system when lightning is likely to strike. In the event of dangerous conditions, the system will give one long horn blast (approximately 15 seconds) accompanied by a flashing light. Once the dangerous conditions have passed, three short horn blasts (approximately 5 seconds each) will sound that all is clear and the flashing lights turn off. In the event of a system warning please consider the following:

• Seek shelter in campus buildings, cars/trucks and lightning shelters.
• Avoid open areas, elevated ground, water, flagpoles, tall trees, metal fences, golf carts or mowers, cellular phones and radios.

Watches and Warnings

The National Weather Service and local radio and television stations will announce watches and warnings about severe weather. Two good sources for local weather news are

KBTX-TV (channel 3-CBS), and KBMA-Radio (99.5 FM), as they both broadcast National Weather Service watches and warnings.

If a Tornado Watch or Severe Storm Watch is issued, you should:

• Review emergency plans.
• Be alert for changing weather conditions.
• Be prepared to act.

If a Tornado Warning or Severe Storm Warning is issued you should immediately take the following precautions:

• Move into the smallest interior space without exterior windows or doors. Such as inner hallways, interior stairwells, bathrooms, or closets.
• Avoid the top floors of the building, any area that may be glass- enclosed and/ or has a large unsupported roof.
• Do not go outside.
• If you are unable to move to a small interior place of shelter, get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Monitor local radio or television stations for announcements of any additional actions to take and/or for cancellation of the warning.
• Occupants of the building should remain in the place of shelter until the warning has been officially lifted.