Weather Emergencies

When the weather gets rough

In case of severe weather, such as a winter storm or tornado warning, the safety of the university community is a priority. The best immediate source of information is the Shocker Alert System, which sends tornado and other weather emergency alerts to your phone and email. WSU's offical X and Facebook social media channels will repeat this messaging.

You may also contact the 24-hour Activity Line/Weather and Class Status at 978-6633, option 2 to check on class status.

Tornado Season

Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but in the southern states including Kansas, peak tornado season runs from April through June. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.

Notifications

Should a tornado emergency occur, all tornado sirens in Sedgwick County will sound, including the one housed on WSU’s campus. During inclement or overcast weather, sirens will only sound in the event of a tornado warning. During the spring and summer, sirens are tested each Monday at noon if the skies are clear.

The Shocker Alert System is integrated into the National Weather Service warning system and a text an email alert is sent the instant a tornado warning is issued for Sedgwick County.

Protection and Shelters

In the event of a tornado warning, move to the lowest level of the building and seek shelter immediately. Every building on campus has a designated tornado shelter area marked by red signs giving specific directions.

Members of the university community should consider the buildings on campus where they spend the most time, and locate the recommended shelters to save time in case of a weather emergency.

Winter Weather 

Historically, Wichita does not experience many notable snowfall events, averaging just 4 days a year with snowfall of more than one inch, and 1.3 days a year with snowfall above 3 inches.

Unlike tornado emergencies, which can be sudden, winter weather emergencies usually provide campus administrators with ample time to make decisions on the status of in-person classes and events on campus. Weather-related adjustments might include a later start, remote instruction, remote work, cancellations or closure.  Messaging about those decisions is sent through the Shocker Alert System, but you may also call the 24-hour Activity Line/Weather and Class Status at 978-6633, option 2 to check on class status.