Programs
Severe Weather and Tornado Safety
Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida. Often severe weather can come with detrimental consequences from the preexisting thunderstorm conditions. These hazardous conditions include hail, flooding, and extremely strong winds that can cause tornados.
A tornado is a funnel shaped rotating cloud with winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour. They have been known to cause damage over a radius of 50 miles long and a mile wide. They tend to strike quick with no warning.
USF is a StormReady University! This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) program recognizes USF
as a leader in severe weather preparedness and signifies our commitment to safety
by maintaining established plans, programs, training, and notification systems to
enhance preparedness and response to severe weather events.
What can you do to prepare?
- Know the signs of an impending tornado:
- A dark greenish sky
- Low lying clouds
- A loud roar
- Know the difference between a watch and a warning:
- A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for development, and you should be aware and monitor weather information
- A warning is issued when activity has been sighted or detected by radar and you should take protective actions.
- Have a plan in place, always seek shelter, and monitor the weather for updates.
- Current weather conditions, including any watches or warnings that have been issued, can be found at www.weather.gov.
- Sign up for MoBull Messenger to receive emergency alerts via text message. In the event of a tornado warning affecting a USF campus, MoBull Messenger will be used to notify you.