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.
