What's the difference?

A tornado watch means that a tornado is likely to occur in the area. A tornado warning is an imminent threat. It means a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or has been indicated by radar. Be ready to take shelter quickly if a tornado is sighted and monitor emergency communication for updates.

What to Do

• TAKE SHELTER immediately. Rice University has pre-identified the safest Shelter In Place (SIP) sites on an interactive campus map. If you cannot access the map, click here for a listing.
• General shelter guidance:
  • Go underground, such as a basement.
  • If that option is unavailable, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Stay in the center of the room away from doors, windows, and exterior walls.
  • The best rooms have solid construction, reinforced concrete, brick or block, and few windows.
  • Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias, and gymnasiums with flat, wide-span roofs.
• Shield your head and neck with your arms and put materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• If you are in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
• Gather current weather information https://www.weather.gov/hgx/

How to Prepare

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are turned on in the settings of your mobile device. They are on by default on Apple and Android devices.
• Other email and SMS weather alert services
• FEMA Tornado Info
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.

How to Recover

• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Make noise to draw attention to yourself.
• Avoid fallen power lines and broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings.