Severe Weather/School Closing

These are the National Weather Service's warning terms: 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

When this has been issued for your area, there are currently no severe thunderstorms. The thunderstorm watch indicates that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of thunderstorms, which can produce strong winds, hazardous lightning, and possibly hail.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

When this has been issued for your area, you should stay indoors and away from any windows in the house (it also helps to close the drapes to slow the progression of flying glass if a window happens to break). There is heavy wind, lightning, and hail.

Tornado Watch

This means that conditions in the atmosphere are suitable for the formation of tornadoes, not that a tornado is already on the ground. Once this has been issued, pay attention to weather reports to stay informed about the formation of tornadoes throughout the day.

Tornado Warning

Take cover. A tornado warning for your area means that there is a tornado on the ground, or a possible tornado has been indicated by Doppler radar, or there is a funnel cloud in your area.

Severe Weather/ Winter Weather School Closing

Cancellation or delay of classes and events at Southwest Minnesota State University happens only occasionally, and closing the University is a rare occurrence.

Any decision to cancel/delay classes and events, or to close offices, is made after appropriate consultation with the Minnesota State Patrol, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service. In the event of non-weather-related situations, a decision regarding closing, cancellation, or delay is made after consultation with Student Health Services, University Public Safety, or other appropriate entities. SMSU makes every effort to announce any closings or cancellations before 5 a.m. for day classes and events, and before 3 p.m. for evening classes and events. In addition to campus-wide SMSU Alerts and e-mail, university website closings/cancellations are announced on these radio and television stations:

Radio

• KMHL /KARZ/KARL - Marshall
• KSOO - Sioux Falls
• kWOA - Worthington
• KLOH - Pipestone
• KLGR - Redwood Falls
• KWLM/Q102 - Willmar

Television

• WCCO-TV - Twin Cities
• KSFY-TV - Sioux Falls
• KELO-TV - Sioux Falls
• KEYC-V - Mankato

Messages regarding weather-related decisions will most likely take one of these forms:

• Classes cancelled
• Evening classes cancelled
• Classes cancelled, offices closed
• University closed

When classes or events are cancelled or delayed, employees are expected to perform their regular duties unless otherwise specified. Employees who are unable to report to work must use their accrued leave time. During actual closings, only designated “essential” employees report to work. In the interest of the safety and well-being of our campus community, the University encourages students and employees to exercise good judgment when deciding whether to attend class or work. Contact your supervisor if there’s a need to consider alternative arrangements.