Severe Weather/School Closing

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Severe Weather/ Winter Weather School Closing

Cancellation or delay of classes and events at Southwest Minnesota State University happens only occasionally, and closing the University is a rare occurrence.

Any decision to cancel/delay classes and events, or to close offices, is made after appropriate consultation with the Minnesota State Patrol, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service. In the event of non-weather-related situations, a decision regarding closing, cancellation, or delay is made after consultation with Student Health Services, University Public Safety, or other appropriate entities. SMSU makes every effort to announce any closings or cancellations before 5 a.m. for day classes and events, and before 3 p.m. for evening classes and events. In addition to campus-wide SMSU Alerts and e-mail, university website closings/cancellations are announced on these radio and television stations:

Radio

• KMHL /KARZ/KARL - Marshall
• KSOO - Sioux Falls
• kWOA - Worthington
• KLOH - Pipestone
• KLGR - Redwood Falls
• KWLM/Q102 - Willmar

Television

• WCCO-TV - Twin Cities
• KSFY-TV - Sioux Falls
• KELO-TV - Sioux Falls
• KEYC-V - Mankato

Messages regarding weather-related decisions will most likely take one of these forms:

• Classes cancelled
• Evening classes cancelled
• Classes cancelled, offices closed
• University closed

When classes or events are cancelled or delayed, employees are expected to perform their regular duties unless otherwise specified. Employees who are unable to report to work must use their accrued leave time. During actual closings, only designated “essential” employees report to work. In the interest of the safety and well-being of our campus community, the University encourages students and employees to exercise good judgment when deciding whether to attend class or work. Contact your supervisor if there’s a need to consider alternative arrangements.

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These are the National Weather Service's warning terms: 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.

Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur...it only means it is possible.

Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined as a combination of:
1)  5 inches or more of snow/sleet 
AND/OR
2)  Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or power lines.
AND/OR
3)  a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.

Blizzard Warning

A Blizzard Warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours.
1) Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer
AND
2)  Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater.
There is no temperature requirement that must be met to achieve blizzard conditions.

Cold Weather Advisory (previously Wind Chill Advisory)

A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when either wind chill or temperature is expected to fall to: -10 to -19 degrees 

Extreme Cold Warning (previously Wind Chill Warning)

An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when either wind chill or temperature is expected to fall to or below: -20 degrees or colder