Tornado Warning System

The University's Tornado Warning System (TWS) provides faculty, staff, students and nearby residents with advance notice of tornadic activity approaching campus.

The TWS features a siren that will be activated approximately 15 minutes before tornadic activity is predicted to occur within three miles of campus. The siren, which begins with a groaning noise and amplifies to its full volume, will be continuous until the danger has passed. The siren can be heard up to a mile from the campus.

To ensure that the system is working properly, 30-second tests of the system will take place on the first Monday of every month at 1:25 p.m. on an ongoing basis. Please be aware of these regularly scheduled tests, and do not be alarmed when you hear them.

However, if you hear this siren at any time other than 1:25 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, the possibility of tornadic activity in the area is high. In such events, meteorologists advise individuals to take cover within the center of the nearest building and remain there. The tornado warning siren will continue to sound until the threat has passed. The safest place inside a building is the basement or ground floor, in a room as close to the interior of the building as possible, and away from any exterior windows or doors.

If you have questions about the Tornado Warning System, please contact University of Richmond Police Department at (804) 289-8715.

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