April 28, 2025
Contact: Nicholas Tietsort, (573) 882-9138, nicholas.tietsort@missouri.edu
Photo by Nicholas Andrusisian
The University of Missouri has earned a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service. The recognition is awarded to communities and institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to severe weather preparedness and communication. Mizzou now joins an exclusive group, as only six of Missouri’s colleges and universities have attained the designation.
"Supporting the NWS StormReady program is about more than just preparedness — it demonstrates our commitment to protecting lives, strengthening community resilience and ensuring that when severe weather strikes, we remain ready to respond effectively and confidently," said Jerry Jenkins, emergency management coordinator for the university. "I want to thank the Mizzou Meteorology Club and Kevin Deitsch with the National Weather Service for their dedication and leadership in helping campus earn the StormReady status."
StormReady, a nationwide program, helps communities take a proactive approach to severe weather preparedness. The mission is to continuously improve local hazardous weather operations and heighten public awareness of weather impacts.
Achieving StormReady reflects the collaborative efforts of the Meteorology Club, Emergency Management, Residential Life and other campus personnel. It ensures that Mizzou’s emergency response plans, communication systems, weather-related drills and educational programs remain comprehensive, effective and up to date with the latest and best practices.
Mizzou will continue to work with the National Weather Service, state and local emergency management and the media to adhere to StormReady standards.
"I am thrilled that Mizzou has achieved certification as a StormReady campus," Thomas Schwent, StormReady coordinator for the Meteorology Club, said. "We've made significant progress, and we're not done yet. Over the next year, the Meteorology Club will be working hard to maintain and build upon what we've accomplished."
Kevin Deitsch, warning coordinator for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, was on campus today to celebrate the designation.
"It has been a pleasure to work with the Mizzou meteorologist students, Res Life, and Emergency Management to achieve the status of a StormReady campus,” he said.
To learn more about the Meteorology Club and being #MizzouReady, visit the Mizzou Meteorology Club website and the MU Alert website.
