Be Ready for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe weather has the potential to occur year-round in St. Louis. Thunderstorms can bring strong winds, hail, lightning, and flash flooding, while winter storms may include sleet, freezing rain, ice, and heavy snowfall.
By monitoring weather conditions and preparing in advance, many of the inconveniences and deadly impacts of winter weather can be avoided.
Understanding the Risk
Severe weather in the St. Louis region can develop quickly. WashU Emergency Management wants you to be prepared and know how to act when severe or destructive thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Watches vs. Warnings
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be alert. Conditions are favorable for a watch if 1″ hail or wind gust greater than 58 mph is possible.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take action now. A severe thunderstorm warning has been detected by radar.
- Destructive Thunderstorm Warning: Issued for extremely dangerous storms with winds over 80 mph or large hail. Treat it like a tornado warning.
Get Alerts from Multiple Sources
Outdoor warning sirens are intended for people outdoors and may not be heard inside buildings. Don’t rely on sirens alone. Use multiple reliable sources:
- 📲 WashU Safe App — emergency alerts, resources, and safety features
- 📻 NOAA Weather Radio — direct alerts from the National Weather Service
- 📺 TV and local news apps — continuous weather updates
- 📡 Wireless Emergency Alerts — from your cell carrier
Download the WashU Safe App
The WashU Safe app is your mobile hub for emergency alerts and preparedness resources. Get real-time warnings and protective action messages straight to your phone.
How to prepare before it happens
- Keep a NOAA weather radio in a location where occupants in the work area can hear alerts.
- Monitor the weather anytime there is a potential for severe weather.
- For winter weather, maintain an emergency kit that contains adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm.
What to do when it happens
- Stay updated with changing weather conditions.
- Stay inside during the storm.
- Minimize travel under difficult conditions.
- During thunderstorms, avoid contact with electrical equipment, corded phones/devices and plumbing.
- Walk carefully during snowy, icy conditions.
- Report any power losses to WashU Police (Danforth, West and North campuses) at 314-935-5555 or Protective Services (Medical School) at 314-362-4357.
What to do right after it happens
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas, including downed power lines.
- Report any damages to WashU Police or Protective Services.
- Restock any emergency supplies.