Violent Weather

Though tornadoes are not as common to the Shenandoah Valley as in the Midwest and deep south, violent electrical storms accompanied by tornado type winds, hail, and flash flooding occur frequently from April through October. Many times, such storms will blow up with little or no warning on a hot, "sunny" late afternoon or early evening catching persons unaware with little opportunity to seek shelter. Listed below are various forms of treacherous weather conditions likely to be encountered in this area and some basic precautions:

• Electrical Storms - stay away from objects projecting above ground level, trees, utility poles, standpipes, water, stay off hills, out of boats, get off bicycle, stay away from the CW railroad tracks, if fishing on the lake - stop! If inside stay away from metal appliances, metal pipes, televisions, avoid drafts since electrical discharges will follow air currents. If outside and you have time, get into a substantial building or closed motor vehicle. If that is not possible go to low terrain and crouch in the open. If an electrical storm strikes at meal time, do not brave the elements for fear of missing the meal. Ask your hall staff to call and make arrangements to delay closing of meal service.
  
  
• Flooding - If flash flooding occurs during a spring or summer storm, avoid the novelty of wading around new bodies of water - due to quick wash out erosion they may be deeper than you realize. Also, unnoticed water currents may carry you off after footing has been lost causing drowning or battering injuries. It is highly unlikely that major flooding would occur on campus, but it could at the "college farm" near Port Republic. Camping is prohibited at the "farm." One reason is that anyone camping by the river bank could be caught unaware by flooding originating from heavy storm upstream. Never wander into a swollen stream since you cannot know where the natural stream bank drops off. If caught outside, stay on high ground.
  
  
• Hurricanes - Hurricane are common to this area, though the winds are usually much less than on the coastal plain or piedmont to the east of the Blue Ridge. But even in reduced strength as a tropical storm fairly high winds and tremendous amounts of precipitation are encountered which can cause much property damage, injury, and loss of life. Stock up on flashlights, portable radios, and batteries. Gas up your car in advance. Listen to instructions from your building coordinators. Keep away from windows, the winds or wind borne object may strike and shatter them. Stay tuned to your radio for local information. Do not be fooled by the "eye" of the storm, stay inside, soon the winds will pick up from the opposite direction. After the storm stay away from disaster areas, use the phone for emergency calls only, and don't drive unless necessary. Fallen wires, trees falling due to softened ground, broken glass and protruding nails in boards submerged under water are highly likely.
  
  
• Tornadoes - Tornadoes are rapidly spinning, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the base of a thundercloud to the earth, most frequent from spring to fall, noon to midnight, traveling from southwest to northeast, passing quickly. Listen for tornado watches and warnings. A "watch" indicates a possible storm, a "warning" means a tornado has been sighted and shelter should be sought. If away from residence, take shelter in steel framed or re-enforced concrete building. If outside travel at right angles to the path of the funnel or lie flat in a ditch, covering you head. Don't stay in your car, modular, or mobile homes. If at the "college farm" get away from the pavilion, seek shelter in the basement of the old brick house. If in a campus building listen to instructions from the building coordinators, lie under heavy furniture, stay against inside walls in center hallways or go to corner of basement. If you have time prior to arrival of funnel open a few windows on the northeast side of building to equalize the pressure if requested.
  
  
• Severe Winter Storms - We do encounter severe storms in the Shenandoah Valley during autumn, winter and early spring that take the form of ice, snow, and freezing rain. Listen to building coordinators, and local weather forecasts. A storm "watch" tells of an approaching storm, a "warning" indicated a storm is imminent. Blizzard conditions mean high winds, extreme cold temperatures (all conducive to wind chill hazards), wind borne objects, downed electrical wires, fallen trees and branches. Avoid overexertion which can cause overheating followed by chilling and frostbite. Travel only in emergency, have full tank of gas, tell people your destination and estimated time of arrival. Use main roads and travel by daylight. Use snow tires or chains. If stuck, stay in car and wait for help. Run engine briefly and crack window for fresh air. Make sure exhaust system does not get covered and cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the car. If at local ski areas during a severe storm, remain where you are at the lodge until the storm passes and the roads are passable.

Remember, in all violent storm conditions, remain calm. The campus police constantly monitor commercial radio bands and the state police data information network for forecasts and advisories, as well as CB and public safety emergency frequencies. The campus police can instantly communicate with state and local police agencies through shared emergency radio network in addition to the University's own frequency. Remember the emergency number: 6911 on campus, 568-6911 off campus.