Case Study: Clemson University achieves no injuries during a campus tornado with AccuWeather For Business

Tornado Strikes Campus, Everyone Safe!

Clemson University faced a sudden tornado threat on August 26, 2008, as remnants of Tropical Storm Fay produced unexpected, rapidly intensifying thunderstorms near campus. The university relied on AccuWeather For Business and its SkyGuard site-specific warning service to detect the risk and provide timely, localized warnings to protect students, faculty, staff and facilities.

AccuWeather For Business meteorologists issued a tornado warning at 2:18 p.m. (with a critical update at 2:34 p.m.), remained in direct communication with campus police, and enabled Clemson to activate sirens, emergency e‑mail and other alerts. The tornado struck at 2:54 p.m., causing significant property and tree damage but no injuries on campus—demonstrating that AccuWeather For Business’ SkyGuard warnings (providing up to about 36 minutes lead time) materially improved safety and emergency response.

Clemson University

Danny Poole

Director of Sports Medicine