Some tornados and severe thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. It is important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to follow the listed procedures.
A Watch is an indication of where and when the probabilities are highest that severe weather or a tornado could occur. A Watch is a statement that severe weather/tornado conditions are present and could occur. The National Weather Service will issue a Watch bulletin to local authorities as well as to the local radio and TV stations.
When a tornado sighting occurs or a severe thunderstorm occurs, the National weather Service alerts all weather stations and local authorities. If a tornado is approaching, a continuous sounding of emergency sirens will signal the Warning.
Note: the City of Duluth emergency sirens are sounded at 1p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to test the sirens. This is only a test and does not indicate severe weather.
BUILDING |
AREA |
Tower Hall |
Student Union area Tunnel and basement area without windows |
Science Building |
First floor center hallways Windowless rooms |
Reif |
Basement level hallway Locker rooms away from windows |
Library/Chapel |
Basement level away from windows |
Somers Hall |
Ground Floor Hall without windows |
Groves Apartments |
Evacuate to Tower Hall designated shelter areas |
Theatre Building |
Basement area away from windows Tower Hall designated shelter areas |
Pine, Maple, Willow, Birch, Cedar Hall, Scanlon Hall & Kerst Hall Apartments |
Ground floor hallways or Tower Hall designated shelter areas |
When a severe winter storm occurs on campus, the Vice President of Finance working with the President or members of the President's Staff will decide whether the campus will close or whether personnel should leave work early. Personnel will be notified through supervisory channels and/or through an e-mail announcement.
Students, faculty and staff who question whether the college will be open after a major overnight snow storm should call the campus closing hotline at 723-7099 or tune into KDAL radio (610 - AM) for updated information about school closings.