Severe Weather


Severe Weather Alerts

There are 2 types of Severe Weather Alerts:

Watch

Public notification that weather conditions exist that could lead to a warning.

Warning

An alert from the National Weather Service confirming the occurrence of a severe weather event and the time, location, speed and direction of movement.

The most common watches and warnings are:

Thunderstorm Lightning.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch — Conditions are developing that could lead to a severe thunderstorm.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning — A storm is occurring that meets the severe storm criteria: torrential rain, high winds, frequent lighting, hail and the possibility of an isolated tornado.



Tornado.

Tornado Watch — An area of the state is forecasted to have all the elements necessary to spawn tornadic thunderstorms.

Tornado Warning — A notification that either a radar signature or “spotter” verification of a developing tornado or that a confirmed tornado is on the ground and causing damage. This warning is an immediate notification to “take cover.”

 

If Severe Weather is Imminent

  • McLennan myAlert will be activated..
  • Remain calm. Do not exit the buildings!
  • Notify people in your immediate area to quickly move away from exterior glass doors and windows.
  • Proceed to an area designated as a “Tornado Shelter” on maps posted inside buildings. Remain there until the “All Clear” is given. Tornado Shelters are indicated in blue on maps located near stairwells and elevators in all campus buildings.

Inclement Weather

Skidding Car.

Inclement weather events occur when ice and snow impact the operations of the college. The college may take the following actions in response to inclement weather:

 

Early Dismissal

If Winter Weather Advisories, Watches or Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service, the college may suspend operations and dismiss students and staff.

Delayed Openings

If ice and snow has occurred during the overnight hours, a determination will be made on the current conditions of roads and campus sidewalks/steps. If conditions are marginal but will improve in the morning hours, the college may open later in the morning hours to allow improvement of the roadways and college crews time to treat the campus sidewalks and steps.

Cancellation of Classes

Current weather conditions that may not improve and permit students and employees to arrive in a safe and timely manner may result in the cancellation of classes and college operations.

Notification Process

Early Dismissal

Snowflakes.

A McLennan myAlert message and email will be sent out, as well as a notice posted on the college’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts. McLennan myAlert allows the college to quickly pass on safety-related information regardless of your location.


College Closing

If you suspect a college closing due to inclement weather, check the McLennan Community College home page, which will display a notification of any closings or delays. If there is no notice posted, then classes are in session and offices are open as usual.

The college will also send out a McLennan myAlert message and email.

You also may refer to announcements on local television stations’ websites, such as www.kwtx.com, www.kcentv.com or www.kxxv.com, or on local radio stations in the event that the McLennan website is not operational.

Do not call Campus Police for college closing information.