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Tornado Information
The National Weather Service broadcasts continuous weather status and forecast information on a special frequency of 162.400 Mhz from its Springfield office; this information is updated hourly. In addition, the NWS will broadcast special alert tones and messages for tornado warnings, flash flood warnings and similar impending weather emergencies. Special radio receivers are available for purchase to monitor this frequency and receive the special alert warnings. People or offices requiring current official weather information or desiring to take advantage of the alert warning service should check with a radio equipment dealer for further information. It is recommended that people should maintain a battery-operated AM and/or FM transistor radio, and take that radio with them should it become necessary to seek shelter from a tornado or other severe storm. People in shelter spaces should not rely on visual observations of local conditions as a reliable indicator of the true status of the weather, since hail and tornadoes have been known to occur under apparently clear-sky conditions. An all-clear signal will usually be given on the local radio stations for any imminent danger warning will be disseminated by means of the Millikin Security Department Staff, your Hall Director or RA. These stations may also be used for weather advisories and updates.
Safe shelter from a tornado may be sought in virtually any building of substantial masonry construction; almost all University facilities meet basic shelter criteria. The lowest level of the building should be used, avoiding spaces with
glass surfaces on any outside wall; doors can usually be arranged to augment
protection. Buildings of frame construction and those with broad, flat
roofs or large open interior spaces (such as auditoriums, cafeterias,
or gymnasiums) should not be used as shelter. Many such areas, however,
have adjacent service spaces (such as corridors, walk-in coolers, or
showers) which are reasonably safe.
University Residential Units Once the sirens sound, it is too late to proceed to the designated shelter area! Residents should stay alert to developing severe weather and have identified shelter space beforehand. If possible, upper floor residents should arrange with downstairs neighbors for shelter on the ground floor. Bathrooms without windows, closets, or interior hallways offer the best protection inside each apartment. Doors should be arranged to protect against airborne debris, particularly glass and wood splinters.
The National Weather Service (NWS), public news media, and public safety agencies utilize standardized terminology when referring to severe weather conditions; those terms most frequently used are listed and defined below:
Funnel Cloud: A tornadic-type funnel extending downward from the clouds but NOT touching the ground. Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: Issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) as a precautionary alert when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms in the specific area. Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: Issued when a tornado or severe thunderstorm has been sighted visually or detected by radar. The location and direction of movement, if known, are given, and residents of the specified WARNING area should take immediate safety precautions.
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Severe Thunderstorm: Wind gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater and/or hail three-quarters of an inch in diameter or larger.
Sustained or gusty surface winds of 60 mph or greater. 
Tornado: A violent local storm of short duration with very high-speed
winds rotating about a vortex with a funnel extending from the base of
the clouds to the ground.