Severe weather risk, tornado preparation, Constant Hall closing: Sunrise Brief

TOP STORIES: Severe weather risk, tornado preparation, Constant Hall closing

1. There is a very rare moderate (level 4/5) risk for severe weather in parts of our region on Monday.

   Monday Morning Forecast

   The threat begins later this morning after 9:00 AM and the threat will increase from there as we head into the afternoon. Meteorologist Tony Nargi says damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are the primary concerns, with strong long tracking tornadoes not out of the question. Highs will be in the 70s today along with windy conditions out of the S at 20-30 mph, gusting to 40 mph frequently.

   Make sure you have a way to get weather alerts in your area. More than three dozen school districts have closed for Monday, a list of closings and delays can be found here. After Monday, things calm down with much cooler temperatures expected by Tuesday and Wednesday.

   For the latest weather updates, watch Tony live on News 3 This Morning here.
   

2. Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, and what to do in the event of a tornado warning.

   3 things to do if a tornado is headed your way

   Tornado watches are less serious. A watch means that the conditions are favorable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. The guidance for a watch is to be prepared and stay informed in case a warning is issued.

   Warnings are much more serious. This means a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado in that area is imminent. The guidance for warnings is to take shelter in an interior room in your home or basement (though basements in our region are rare). But the key is to take action to protect yourself and your family.

   Three key points of action in a tornado warning:
   

   1. Shelter in the lowest point in your home. Basements are the safest place, followed by bathrooms, closets, or any place in your home on the ground floor away from windows and exterior walls. Stay off the second/third floors.
   2. Protect yourself in the event there is damage to your home. You can hide under a sturdy table, a mattress, heavy blankets, or even put on a bike helmet as an additional measure.
   3. If you are driving when a tornado warning hits your area, stop. Get out of the car and seek shelter. Do not try to outrun a tornado. If you are in a mobile home, you should evacuate and get to a safer building as soon as possible.

   More information from the National Weather Service on tornado watches and warnings is available here.
   

3. Constant Hall at Old Dominion University will remain closed for classes and student activities for the rest of the Spring 2026 semester, according to a statement released Friday by university President Dr. Brian Hemphill.

   The decision came after a deadly shooting on campus that left Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a leader in ODU’s ROTC program, dead. University officials say the registrar is working with campus partners to determine new classroom locations and room assignments. Those changes are expected to be communicated directly to faculty and students before the end of Spring Break.

   Hemphill also said Dean Erika Marsillac will work with faculty and staff in the Strome College of Business to determine next steps for offices located in Constant Hall. Options under consideration include temporary workspaces and remote work through the current term. The university is also developing a long-term plan for the building, with its future configuration and use beyond the Spring 2026 semester still under review.

   In the statement, Hemphill said the university is continuing to assist the FBI and local law enforcement as the investigation into the shooting moves forward. He also thanked elected officials and community partners for their support, calling it a “very somber time” for the campus community while encouraging students and staff to draw strength from Shah’s legacy as a Monarch alumnus, soldier, mentor and leader. University leaders say they will continue providing updates on both the investigation and future plans for Constant Hall in the coming days.

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