The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Ithaca and surrounding areas until 5 p.m. today.
According to the NWS, a tornado watch means current weather conditions could cause the development of severe thunderstorms producing tornadoes in the area.
Ithaca College issued a statement on Intercom advising students of the tornado watch and to be prepared if a tornado warning is issued.
If indoors:
Know the location of the appropriate shelter area(s) for your facility. This can be a basement, a ground floor hallway with no windows, or a door frame.
Get under a desk or a table if in a room with no windows.
Remain in a protected area until the threat has ceased or the danger has passed.
If outside:
Try to seek shelter indoors.
If you cannot get indoors, try to get to a protected or safe area away from buildings, windows and glass, telephone or light poles or any place where there could be falling debris. A low area such as a ditch or ravine or a depression works well.
Lie face down and cover your head and face.
Avoid any downed power lines.
Call the Office of Public Safety using 911 from any campus phone or 274-3333 from any cell phone to report any injuries or storm damage. For more information, refer to the Ithaca College Emergency Response Guide and the Ithaca College Emergency Response Plan.