Prepare for SEVERE STORMS
The Northwest is subject to many types of severe storms. Although, hurricanes
do not occur here, high wind events are common. The infamous Columbus Day
Windstorm of 1962 had many recorded wind gusts of over 100 MPH. Locally,
wind speeds have reached into the 80 mph range causing widespread damage.
Other severe weather events that can occur are:

TORNADOES are rare events in the Northwest, but they can happen
anywhere. Since 1950 there have been 55 confirmed tornadoes in the
state, mostly in Eastern Washington. A tornado damaged buildings on
campus in 1928.

THUNDERSTORMS are common in Eastern Washington and in the local
area. These can be accompanied by brief, heavy rains that can cause
flash flooding, lightning and localized microburst winds that can be very
damaging. A microburst struck the WSU Golf Course many years ago,
destroying a storage building and other facilities. Lightning-caused
wildfires occur regularly in the area.

HAIL is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller
than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to
vegetation and property. In a hailstorm. Hail storms happen frequently in
this area.

FLOODING has occurred many times in downtown Pullman since the city
was established in the late 1800’s. Other local streams flood, frequently,
damaging area roads and property. Flood mitigation work has made
Pullman floods less common, but still possible.
Before

Stay Informed. Weather Radios enable you to monitor weather related
forecasts, watches and warnings - 24 hours a day direct from the
National Weather Service.

Local news and weather on TV and radio stations can also keep you
informed.

Check the WSU ALERT webpage for warnings and updates
Severe Storm Watches and Warnings

A severe storm watch indicates that severe weather may affect your area.
A severe storm warning indicates that severe weather conditions are
definitely on the way.

WSU ALERT communications tools such as the Crisis Communication
System and the Campus Outdoor Warning System of sirens and PA
announcements may be used to provide warning and notification of
severe weather approaching campus
During

Follow all directives regarding your personal safety provided by
appropriate university authorities

Generally, if you are INDOORS, move away from windows or other objects
that could fall, and to lower floors in multi-story buildings.

Generally, if you are OUTDOORS, seek shelter inside a safe building. If
you have to move, avoid downed electric power lines, utility poles,
and trees.

If you are DRIVING, pull off the road and seek shelter inside a safe
building, if possible. Stop away from trees, overpasses, power lines and
other hazards.

Listen to a portable radio and/or WSU communications tools (if on or near
campus) for emergency instructions.
After

Check yourself and those around you for injuries.

Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe
by authorities.

Call 9-1-1 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) only to report a life
threatening emergency. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors
- open windows and leave the building. Call your gas company and turn
off the gas source, if you can without endangering yourself or others. Do
not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.

Monitor your portable or weather radio and/or WSU communications
tools (if on or near campus) for instructions or an official “all clear”
notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of
emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.
Additional Information (links)

Ready.Gov

State of Washington Emergency Management

National Weather Service
Keep in the Loop-Staying Informed

WSU ALERT webpage