Stay Prepared: Essential Severe Weather Forecast for Monday, March 31st

The National Weather Service has forecast a moderate risk (3 out of 5) for severe weather on Monday, March 31, between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. Expect possible tornadoes, winds gusting up to 70 mph, and large hail, potentially the size of golf balls.

In addition, there’s a slight risk (2 out of 4) of heavy rainfall throughout Monday afternoon. Rainfall amounts may reach between one and two inches in some areas, possibly higher. Flash floods can occur, so never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads.

Stay Prepared for Severe Weather

Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a warning is crucial. A tornado watch indicates that conditions are right for tornadoes to develop. Stay alert if this is issued. However, when a tornado warning is announced, it means a tornado has been seen or detected. At this point, seek immediate shelter to ensure your safety.

Familiarize yourself with [UA’s severe weather guidelines](https://ready.ua.edu/severe-weather-guidelines/) so you know what to do when the storms hit. The [UA Safety app](https://ready.ua.edu/ua-safety-app/) can keep you updated on weather watches and warnings specifically for Tuscaloosa County.

UA will notify everyone on campus about tornado watches and warnings through [UA Alerts](https://ready.ua.edu/ua-alerts/). For further updates, you can follow [UA Safety on Twitter](https://twitter.com/UA_Safety), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ua_safety/), and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/UAPublicSafety/), or tune in to [92.5 FM UA Info Radio](https://ready.ua.edu/92-5-fm-ua-info-radio/).

Know Where to Shelter

If a tornado watch is issued, UA’s designated [sheltering locations](https://ready.ua.edu/shelters/) are available for students, faculty, and staff until the watch is over. Off-campus individuals are welcome to seek shelter in any storm shelter on campus.

If you can’t reach a designated storm shelter, find the nearest [Best Available Refuge Area](https://ready.ua.edu/best-available-refuge-areas-baras/) for safety. Each building has a posted emergency plan outlining these areas.

Bringing Pets to Shelters

If you have pets, the Magnolia Parking Deck is the only campus shelter that accepts them. Ensure your dog is crated or leashed and muzzled. Other animals must also be in a crate. Remember to clean up after your pets. For more about pet sheltering on campus, check [this link](https://ready.ua.edu/pet-emergency-planning/). Some public storm shelters in Tuscaloosa County accept pets, too.

Parking During Severe Weather

In case of a tornado watch or warning, you can park in any legal surface lot near a shelter or refuge area. Also, parking is available in the Magnolia and Capstone decks. If those fill up, find a lot close to a storm shelter. Refer to the [parking map](https://ready.ua.edu/shelters/) for details about where to park safely.

Sheltering Off Campus

If you’re outside the campus during a warning, avoid vehicles or mobile homes for shelter. If you live in an apartment, find a sturdy building and head to the lowest floor, away from windows.

For more guidance on severe weather procedures, visit the [Office of Emergency Management’s website](https://ready.ua.edu/) and listen to [92.5 FM](https://ready.ua.edu/925fm/) for the latest updates.

What to Do After a Storm

After the storm, campus police and staff will respond quickly to any damage. If you see any damage, report it to UAPD at 205-348-5454. If you’re off-campus, avoid fallen power lines and don’t enter any damaged buildings until safety is confirmed by officials. Always call 911 for emergencies, and let loved ones know you are safe through text or social media.

Check out this related article: Tim Walz Presses for Transparency After University Student’s Detention by ICE: What You Need to Know