Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Severe Weather Guide | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
Logo of University of West Florida

Severe Weather Guide

The University of West Florida is committed to supporting students, faculty and staff before, during and after severe weather.

Stay Informed of Severe Weather

UWF monitors the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center for possible progress of storm systems throughout the year, especially during the hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). 

In the event of severe weather, University officials will communicate with the campus community by use of all available emergency notification systems, including UWF email, UWF website, social media outlets (Facebook and Twitter), and mobile alert text messaging system. Weather information is also available by tuning into WUWF at 88.1FM or online at wuwf.org.

Sign Up for Text Alerts

Learn Weather Watches vs. Warning Steps

Storm Watch

Weather conditions are conducive to the development of severe weather.

Students are Recommended to
  1. Stay alert of your surroundings
  2. Educate yourself on what to do if a storm warning is issued by reviewing the HRL Severe Weather Guide
  3. Tune into local weather media to stay informed
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Monitor local weather conditions
  2. Issue communication and escalate to a warning if needed
  3. Depending on the severity, alerts “All Clear” by the direction of campus police once a threat has moved out of our area

Hurricane Watch

Issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds with the possibility of hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) within the specified area.

Students are Recommended to
  1. Set an evacuation plan in case a warning is issued in our area
  2. Educate themselves with the HRL Severe Weather Guide to learn how to prepare for a hurricane
  3. Follow Weather Links updates and check their resident hall bulletins for any updates 
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Monitor all weather conditions 
  2. Communicate any changes in conditions or projections with our residents
  3. Post flyers of evacuation plans in hall offices and throughout the residential hall

Tornado Watch

Tornadoes are expected to develop within the specified area.

Students are Recommended to
  1. Stay alert of your surroundings
  2. Educate yourself on what to do if a tornado warning is issued
  3. Tune into local weather media to stay informed 
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Monitor storm tracking and severity
  2. Communicate any updates with residents and guests
  3. Alerts “All Clear” by the direction of campus police once a threat has moved out of our area

Storm Warning

Seek shelter indoors immediately. Severe weather is expected to occur or is actively occurring. 

Students are Recommended to
  1. Safeguard to ensure personal safety of yourself and your belongings
  2. Move away from windows and locate the bottom floor of the building
  3. Tune into weather updates and alerts issued by UWF
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Monitor storm tracking and severity
  2. Communicate any updates with residents and guests
  3. Alerts “All Clear” by the direction of campus police once a threat has moved out of our area

Tropical Storm Warning

Tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are forecasted within the next 24 hours, with possible heavy rains.

Students are Recommended to
  1. Secure your room and belongings in your residence (see Guide) and check the area office for updates
  2. Educate yourself with HRL Severe Weather Guide for evacuation and go-bag checklists
  3. Tell us your plans: Notify RAs or HDs of your evacuation plans
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Post flyers with announcements of closures at the hall offices and throughout the residential hall
  2. Host community meetings to inform residents and guest attendees of weather updates
  3. Communicate an “All Clear” by the direction of University Police when the threat has moved out of our area and is clear to return to campus

Hurricane Warning

Issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds with expected hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) within the specified area.

Students are Recommended to
  1. Secure your room and belongings in your residence (see Guide) and check the area office for updates
  2. Educate yourself with HRL Severe Weather Guide for evacuation and go-bag checklists
  3. Tell us your plans: Notify RAs or HDs of your evacuation plans
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Post flyers with announcements of closures at the hall offices and throughout the residential hall
  2. Host community meetings to inform residents and guest attendees of weather updates
  3. Communicate an “All Clear” via the direction of University Police when the threat has moved out of our area and is clear to return to campus

Tornado Warning

A tornado has been sighted; seek shelter immediately. 

Students are Recommended to
  1. Seek shelter immediately and stay until an “All Clear” is issued
  2. Move away from windows, moving to the innermost hallway on the lowest floor
  3. Notify campus police via Guardian Application or dial 911 if assistance is needed
UWF and UWF Housing and Residence Life Will
  1. Monitor storm tracking and severity
  2. Communicate any updates with residents and guests
  3. Alerts “All Clear” by the direction of campus police once a threat has moved out of our area

Find a Severe Weather Shelter

When severe weather conditions are expected in the Pensacola area, there may be times when residents must decide to evacuate to an on-campus shelter. If the University closes and requires campus evacuation, the University and local media will announce shelter openings. Only report to the designated hurricane shelters once it is officially open and ready for service. A shelter is not intended to serve as a residential facility and will most likely be crowded, offering little to no privacy. Services and utilities, including electricity and technology, may be limited, and minimal comforts (cots, showers, etc.) will not be available. 

For HRL residents, a shelter will be available to current on-campus residents only. Make sure you have what you need and pack lightly; you will not be permitted to re-enter your hall/complex after relocating to a shelter. Each individual will be responsible for securing their personal items.

Review Severe Weather Resources

Severe Weather Information Outlets

Additional Resources