The University of Alabama announced today that due to the possible weather threat, it will suspend normal operations at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

A press release from the University read,

In the event of an emergency, shelters will remain OPEN even through UA has suspended normal operations. UA housing will also remain open for students residing on campus for the holidays, but you are urged to seek shelter immediately at the closest available location if there is a weather emergency.

The National Weather Service is predicting the possibility that severe weather could occur in central Alabama, including The University of Alabama, midday through midnight Wednesday, Dec. 23. Damaging winds, hail and tornadoes, are possible. The threat of isolated storms, including tornadoes, also exists through 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24.

Since severe weather can develop quickly and without warning, please identify areas of safe refuge and be prepared to move to safety if severe weather occurs. Please be familiar with UA’s severe weather guidelines and stay tuned to local weather sources as long as the potential for severe weather lasts. If a tornado watch is issued, please be alert for rapidly changing conditions that may require you to move quickly to safety.

If a tornado warning is issued, you should avoid traveling and seek shelter immediately at the closest available refuge area (BARA) or the lowest level of the nearest building until you are notified that the warning is over.

Because of the potential for severe weather, campus tornado shelters at North Campus Storm Shelter, East Campus Storm Shelter, and the Magnolia Parking Deck BARA are available to students, faculty and staff who feel safer on campus than in their off-campus residences. A map of the shelters is available at here. If needed, updated information will be available on the UA website, through local radio and television stations, and via the campus PA system. We urge you to take safety precautions and follow weather developments over the next few days.

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