Tornadoes

Tornado overview

Tornadoes in Indiana

We experience an average of more than 20 tornadoes a year in Indiana, and the best way to protect yourself should one strike your location is to be prepared.

Knowing the difference between a watch and warning can help you determine the risks you may face.

Hear an outdoor warning siren?

Find out what to do when you hear an outdoor warning siren or when siren tests are scheduled near your campus.

Tornado watch
Tornados and severe thunderstorms are possible — continue normal activities but monitor the situation.

Tornado warning
An actual tornado has been identified in the area by spotters and/or radar.

  • If in the warning area, seek shelter immediately.
  • Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
  • Basements, interior hallways on the lower floors and small interior rooms on the lower floors offer the best shelter.
  • Know the location of your nearest shelter in advance.
  • Do not open windows; this can increase damage to the building.
  • Report injuries and damage on campus to IU Police Department at 911.
  • Notify your local Campus Facilities Services or Physical Plant Offices of damage.
  • If in a vehicle, get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If a building is not available, lying flat in a depression such as a ditch or a ravine offers some protection.

Things to do

  • As soon as you are aware of a tornado warning in your location, go inside a building, get away from exterior walls, and go to the lowest possible floor. 
  • Get a weather radio and ensure it has full batteries in it.
  • Take your weather radio with you to where you seek shelter so you can learn when a tornado warning expires.
  • If you are in a car and learn that a tornado is approaching, exit your car. Go inside a building or lie in a ditch and protect your head with your hands.

Things you should not do

  • Never wait for a siren to be sure if the danger is real; always head for shelter as soon as you get an alert from the National Weather Service or IU-Notify.
  • Don’t rely only upon IU-Notify for weather warnings. If you don’t have a weather radio, get a phone app that offers weather information and alerts.
  • Don’t leave your shelter until an all clear has been given.
  • Never seek shelter under a bridge, which acts as a funnel and strengthens the winds beneath it.

Emergency contacts

Find emergency contact information for your campus

Emergency notifications

Learn how to set up emergency notifications