Severe Weather

Alverno College holds the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as a top priority. In the event of severe weather conditions, we prioritize clear communication and proactive measures to ensure everyone's safety. Our commitment to providing a secure learning and working environment guides our decision-making process, and we encourage the Alverno community to stay informed through official channels in the event of severe weather, along with taking steps to ensure individual safety. Please remember to give yourself extra time for travel.

It is important to note that, under normal circumstances, all classes, operations and activities will proceed as scheduled unless the College issues an official statement indicating otherwise.

Timelines

Early morning cancellation of classes and/or closing: Decisions will be made the day before, if possible, or by 5:30 a.m. for full-day cancellation and notifications will commence.

Mid-day cancellation of classes and/or closing: Decisions will be made by 3 p.m. and notifications will commence. Please note that mid-day class cancellation does not mean administrative offices are automatically closed. Departments will be advised via RAVE and/or broadcast email.

Notification

The decision to cancel classes and/or close campus will be announced in the following ways:

• Notification on College home page
• Campus-wide email, phone call or SMS text alerts via RAVE
• College social media accounts (Facebook)
• Local Milwaukee media stations, on air and via their website, including:
  • WTMJ-4
  • FOX-6
  • WISN-12
  • CBS-58

Severe Weather Watches and Warnings

In event of a tornado watch or warning, be sure to know the location of your nearest emergency shelter. There are postings in each of the Alverno facilities indicating the nearest shelter.

Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to form. Be alert – watch for changing weather conditions.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted and/or the Milwaukee siren is sounding. Seek safe shelter immediately in Ground or Lower Level or inside the restroom on the lowest possible level.

If a Tornado Warning is issued, all members of the college community should seek shelter in the lowest level of a campus building. Remain in these locations until notified by appropriate personnel that it is safe to leave shelter. Campus Safety Officers and Plant Operations personnel will issue an "All Clear" when the danger has passed.

Winter Weather Advisory: Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences but are not anticipated to be life-threatening. Situations include freezing rain, light snow or a combination of winter weather elements that may impact travel and daily activities.

Winter Storm Watch: Potential exists for a significant winter weather event, but the exact timing, intensity, and/or occurrence are still uncertain. A watch does not mean that the event will definitely occur, but it indicates that conditions are favorable for the development of a winter storm. 

Winter Storm Warning: A significant and potentially hazardous winter weather event, including heavy snow, ice, sleet or a combination of these elements, is imminent or occurring. Take precautions and necessary actions to protect life and property.