Severe weather watches and warnings will come from the National Weather Service. Monitor the weather conditions by listening to a local radio or TV station for the most current information. KUWS, 91.3 FM, will provide up-to-date weather information. You can also monitor weather conditions via the internet at:

National Weather Service (Duluth/Superior)

Weather Channel (Duluth/Superior)

The City of Superior does not have a siren to warn residents or the campus of approaching tornados, wind or other severe weather. The telephone-based warning system for Superior that's been in the news recently is not in place yet. There is no rapid method for building-to-building contact at UW Superior when severe weather strikes, so everyone should monitor weather conditions via local radio or TV.

Storm Shelters

Specific storm shelters have not been designated at UW Superior, but there are safe places in each building to seek shelter from high winds, hail or tornados. The best shelter areas are small interior rooms or interior corridors on the lowest available floor (such as the basement). Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors because hail, flying debris and lighting strikes are dangerous risks. The safest locations for storm shelters are:

• Interior corridors with no windows or skylights, on the lowest floor of the building.
• Small windowless interior rooms on the lowest floor of the building and close to corridors, such as bathrooms or some offices.
• Do not use large spaces such as cafeterias, concourses, auditoriums, theaters or gymnasiums, for storm shelters.
• Do not use the elevators during a thunderstorm or tornado. Seek shelter on the floor your are on if you are unable to use the stairs.
• The emergency evacuation plan for each building show the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency telephones available on the floor.

Watches and Warnings - Your Action Plans

Severe Weather Watches: Severe thunderstorm watches or tornado watches means that weather conditions are favorable for the development of these storms. Sometimes the storms can develop rapidly. When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch, its time to develop a plan for shelter if the weather becomes threatening.

• Be aware of changing weather conditions by monitoring current weather statements from local radio stations. Keep everyone in your work area informed of the latest weather developments.
• Develop a plan of how and where you or your work group will take shelter if a severe thunderstorm or tornado develops. Communicate this plan to everyone in your group.
• Prepare to take the following with you to the storm shelter: a radio, flashlight, your keys, cell phone, and a coat to protect you from flying glass.
• Check the weather forecast before leaving for field trips or extended periods outdoors, and have a plan in place for safe shelter if threatening conditions develop.
• If you are in charge of a class or group, know where they are at all times, especially if they are on a field trip. Some form of two-way communication, like a two-way radio or cell phone, should accompany a group on a field trip.

Severe Weather Warnings: Severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings are issued when the storms have been sighted and are approaching our area. People should seek immediate shelter. You may have only seconds to get to a safe location, so put your plan into action and take shelter.

• Inform others of the warning as you seek shelter. Offer assistance to individuals with special needs.
• Take along to the shelter: a flashlight, your keys, your shoes, a coat to protect your body, and a cell phone if available.
• Sit facing the wall, and cover your head and face with available protective objects. If possible, get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Stay away from windows, skylights and doors. Hail and flying debris during high winds, thunderstorms or tornados can be very dangerous.
• Keep phone lines (and cell phones) available for emergency communication.
• Stay in the building until the storm has passed.
• When exiting the building, beware of downed power lines, broken glass and unsafe areas.
• Once the storm has past, check others for injuries. Report all injuries to Campus Safety or emergency responders.