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.