Common Severe Weather in Omaha
Omaha has hot, humid summers and cold, relatively dry winters. In the summer, Omaha is prone to frequent thunderstorms that may become severe and capable of creating strong winds and even tornadoes. In the winter, Omaha is prone to snow, wind, and ice making driving conditions difficult.
Severe Weather Communication
UNO has a number of ways to communicate university closings or emergency weather updates. They include:- Overhead paging system to University Housing and all other university buildings
- Text messaging system (UNO Alert)
- Computer scroll message (at the top of every university web page)
- UNO website, Facebook, and Twitter
- KVNO and other media outlets
- UNO emergency information line: 402.554.2255*
*Depending on the circumstances and urgency, the messages will be generated through Public Safety or the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Local Weather Stations
When there is a threat of severe weather it's important to check local weather and news stations.
UNO is located in Douglas County. When listening to local weather and news stations, pay close attention to the severe weather information for Douglas County.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a mobile, rotating column of violent winds that looks like a funnel-shaped cloud extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Not all tornadoes are visible, but high wind speeds and rapid rotation often create a visible funnel.
Most tornadoes have wind speeds less than 100 miles per hour (161 km) and travel only a few miles before exhausting themselves. There are some extreme instances of tornadoes traveling further than 100 miles (161 km) with wind speeds well over 200 miles per hour (483 km).
Douglas County tests its sirens at 11 A.M. on the first Wednesday of every month during tornado season.
Local media will be notified to make public announcements reminding the community of the tests. To avoid confusion, the regularly scheduled test will be delayed two hours if severe weather is threatening.
Students with disabilities should go to the listed tornado shelters. If you have questions or concerns about emergency preparedness, please contact the Accessibility Services Center at 402.554.2872, or if you need assistance reaching a shelter, contact Public Safety at 402.554.2648.
Residence Hall Emergency Information
University Village | Maverick Village | Scott Hall | Scott Court | Scott Village
UNO's Inclement Weather Policy
The decision to close the university because of adverse weather conditions will be made by the chancellor or his designee. Should an inclement weather situation arise during the workday, this decision will be made in consultation with a Weather Emergency Committee. The decision and announcement could be one of the following alternatives:
- All classes and offices at UNO will be closed and no one except essential personnel is to report for work.
- All classes at UNO will be closed, however, other business will be conducted as usual. Staff personnel should report for duty.
- All morning classes at UNO have been cancelled and only essential personnel should report for work.
- UNO will close classes and dismiss staff at (specified time). Essential personnel shall remain on duty or report to work as scheduled.
- UNO will be open and all activities will be conducted as usual.
Each alternative may include a statement concerning off-campus and evening classes (defined as those classes beginning at or after 4 P.M.).