Severe Weather

The UT Police Department tracks severe weather alerts that may impact campus safety.

Several means of communication would be used to let the campus community know about severe weather events that could impact safety (i.e. tornado). You also should monitor weather conditions on your own to make decisions about traveling anywhere in an automobile or by foot.

The UT ALERT text messaging system would be activated in the case of severe weather events, delays to the opening of the university or closure of the university. Information also would be posted at www.utk.edu and announced through campus and local media and broadcast e-mails.

About Watches and Warnings

The National Weather Service issues various watches and warnings related to impending weather conditions. A "watch" indicates a weather event such as a tornado or severe thunderstorm is possible in the area affected by the watch. A "warning" means the weather event is imminent, and you should take appropriate action immediately.

While the instance of severe weather to the point of jeopardizing safety is rare in our area, it is important to familiarize yourself with the appropriate actions to take in the event of a severe weather emergency.