Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7.

CANCELED at 6:35AM - The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, Texas, effective until 11 a.m. CT today (Tuesday, March 4, 2025).

After an extensive national search, Baylor University announced today that Donald J. (DJ) Rodman has been selected to lead the Baylor University Department of Public Safety as Senior Director of Public Safety and Security, effective March 10. 

The National Weather Service is issuing an Extreme Cold Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory beginning tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 18) and continuing through Thursday morning (Feb. 20) for Waco, McLennan County and the Central Texas area.

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7. 

National Weather Service forecasts that Waco, McLennan County and Central Texas will experience freezing temperatures Monday night, Jan. 20 through Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Due to a Winter Weather Advisory, Baylor University-Waco campus will transition to remote operations Thursday-Friday, Jan. 9-10, 2025. Normal campus operations will resume on Saturday, assuming weather conditions have improved.

The National Weather Service has cancelled a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including the Baylor University-Waco campus, the City of Waco and McLennan County, Texas (Saturday, Dec. 28).

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m.

POSTPONED: Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m.

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m.

***Required Test of the Baylor Alert Emergency Notification System Completed Successfully*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Along with the siren test, Baylor University will conduct a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m. 

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, [Month, day]. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m. 

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, June 7. The University’s testing period will be 10 to 11 a.m. 

EXPIRED AT 7:53PM CT - The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, Texas, effective until 8p.m. CDT tonight (Wednesday, May 22, 2024). A Tornado WATCH means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

EXPIRED AT 8:06 PM: The  National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, Texas, effective until 9 p.m. CDT tonight (Thursday, May 9, 2024). A Tornado WATCH means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

EXPIRED AT 8:39PM CDT: The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 10:00 p.m. CDT , Wednesday, May 8, 2024. A Tornado WATCH means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

POSTPONED TO JUNE 7: Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, May 3. The University’s testing period will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, Texas, effective until 6 p.m. CT tonight (Friday, April 26, 2024).

CANCELED at 4:25 pm CT: The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, Texas, effective until 5 p.m. CDT tonight (Tuesday, April 9, 2024).

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5. The University’s testing period will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1.

UPDATE: By 2:15 p.m. CT, AT&T reported it had restored wireless service to all affected customers. 

***SIREN TEST POSTPONED, REQUIRED TEST OF BAYLOR ALERT SYSTEMS WILL BE CONDUCTED*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2. In addition to the siren test, Baylor University will conduct a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 15, 2024) – Baylor University will begin the spring semester Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, under normal operations. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Wednesday morning but with no precipitation in the forecast.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 4, 2024) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5. The University’s testing period is from 10 to 11 a.m.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 29, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1. The University’s testing period is from 10 to 11 a.m.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 14, 2023) – Baylor University will conduct a maintenance test of its outdoor tornado sirens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. The University’s testing period is from 10 to 11 a.m.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3. The University’s testing period is from 10 to 11 a.m.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 6, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6. The University’s testing period is from 10 to 11 a.m.

***TEST COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY*** WACO, Texas (Aug. 30, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of its Outdoor Warning System (tornado sirens) at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1. 

WACO, Texas (Aug. 3, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.

WACO, Texas (May 31, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 2.

WACO, Texas (May 4, 2023) – ***POSTPONED*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 5.

WACO, Texas (April 28, 2023) - Baylor University offices will close early at 3:30 p.m. today (Friday, April 28, 2023), and no classes will be held on campus after 3:30 p.m., due to severe weather predicted to move through the Waco area, including the Baylor campus, this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has placed Waco and McLennan County under a Tornado WATCH until 8 p.m., which includes the potential for tornados, large hail and damaging winds.

WACO, Texas (April 26, 2023) – UPDATE: The National Weather Service has canceled the Tornado Watch at 8:58 p.m. CT. 

WACO, Texas (Thursday, March 16, 2023) – EXPIRED AS OF 8 P.M. CDT. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 8 p.m. CDT. This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

UPDATE: WACO, Texas (March 2, 2023) – The National Weather Service has canceled the Tornado Watch for Waco and McLennan County.

WACO, Texas (March 1, 2023) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, March 3.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 8, 2023) – Baylor University will conduct a regular test of its outdoor tornado sirens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, along with a required test of the Baylor Alert emergency notification system.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 2, 2023) – ***POSTPONED TO FEB. 10*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Baylor also will conduct a required test of the Baylor Alert emergency notification system.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 1, 2023) - Baylor University-Waco campus will extend holding classes via remote instruction and staff teleworking through noon Thursday, Feb. 2. Normal university operations will resume at that time. Classes beginning at 12:30 p.m. Thursday will be held in person.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2023) - Baylor University-Waco campus will extend holding classes via remote instruction through Wednesday, Feb. 1, and staff will continue to telework during this time. University officials will continue to monitor conditions regarding Thursday operations.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 30, 2023) - With the National Weather Service placing Central and North Texas under a Winter Storm Warning – with the potential for icy conditions in our area beginning overnight – Baylor University-Waco campus will hold classes via remote instruction and staff will telework on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2023. Wednesday classes beginning at 12:20 p.m. will be held in person.

WACO, Texas (Jan. 13, 2023) – As Baylor University begins the spring semester on Jan. 17, Interstate 35 construction crews will continue work at busy intersections around campus – particularly 4th/5th and 11th/12th streets – as they complete final construction on I-35.

WACO, Texas (12:42 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022) – The National Weather has canceled the TORNADO watch for Waco and McLennan County.

WACO, Texas (Dec. 1, 2022) – **CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 4, 2022) – As a cold front moves across Texas, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for a large portion of Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 8 p.m. CDT. This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

WACO, Texas (Nov. 1, 2022) – ***POSTPONED due to forecasted inclement weather.*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 24, 2022) – UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:30 p.m. As a front moves across Texas, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for a large portion of Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until midnight (12:00 a.m. CDT). This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 6, 2022) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 31, 2022) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners – in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management – to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2. In addition, Baylor will conduct a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 11, 2022) – As Baylor University prepares for the Fall 2022 semester, the campus community of students, faculty and staff will notice some changes to streets and parking lots around campus due to ongoing construction and during Move-in but also will enjoy some major progress on I-35 construction.

WACO, Texas (Aug. 4, 2022) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5.

WACO, Texas (July 1, 2022) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1.

WACO, Texas (June 2, 2022) – ***CANCELED*** Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 3.

WACO, Texas (May 5, 2022) – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for a large portion of Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday, May 5, 2022). This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

WACO, Texas (May 4, 2022) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6.

WACO, Texas, April 12, 2022) - The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for most of Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 11 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, April 12, 2022). This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area. It is recommended that outdoor activities be moved indoors.

WACO, Texas (March 30, 2022) – With severe weather season underway, Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month through July.

WACO, Texas (March 21, 2022) - The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado WATCH for a large portion of Central Texas, including Waco and McLennan County, effective until 10 p.m. tonight (Monday, March 21, 2022). This means that tornadoes – along with damaging winds and hail – are possible in and near the watch area.

WACO, Texas (March 3, 2022) – As severe weather season begins, Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, March 4.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 23, 2022) - Due to anticipated freezing rain with at/or below freezing temperatures overnight that could lead to icing on bridges and overpasses and some surface streets, Baylor University will hold classes via remote instruction and staff will telework until 12 noon on Thursday, Feb. 24.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 10, 2022) – Baylor University will conduct a regular test of its outdoor emergency sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, in addition to a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency communications systems, which is used to alert the campus community of a significant emergency or threat on or near campus.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 2, 2022) - ***UPDATED 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2022: Baylor University will resume normal hours and operations on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.*** The National Weather Service has placed Central and North Texas under a Winter Storm Warning. With the high potential for hazardous icy conditions as a strong arctic front moves through Central Texas, Baylor University will hold classes via remote instruction and staff will telework on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 3-4.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 8, 2021) - In anticipation of Baylor Football opening the 2021 season at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at McLane Stadium, Baylor University will return its regular approach to football game weekend, including changes to campus parking garages and lots and road closures beginning Friday afternoon and overnight Saturday.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 2, 2021) – Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular joint test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3. In addition, Baylor will conduct a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency communications systems, which is used to alert the campus community of a significant emergency or threat on or near campus.

WACO, Texas (April 1, 2021) – During severe weather season, Baylor University has joined City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month.

WACO, Texas (March 4, 2021) - As severe weather season begins, Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5.

WACO, Texas (Sept. 3, 2020) – Baylor University will conduct a required test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency communications systems at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

WACO, Texas (March 2, 2020) – As severe weather season begins, Baylor University will join City of Waco and McLennan County partners, in cooperation with the Waco/McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, to conduct a regular test of outdoor tornado sirens at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 7, 2020) – Baylor University is conducting a regular test of the multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency communications systems from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. The test includes Baylor Alert email and text messages, tones and announcements on outdoor and indoor loudspeakers and messages on University social media channels and the baylor.edu website.

WACO, Texas (Oct. 3, 2019) - After Waco PD reported that shots were fired at a location three blocks off campus (South Fifth Street at Daughtrey Avenue), Baylor PD issued a Baylor Alert per Clery requirements for our campus community to shelter in place until law enforcement resolved the situation and the all clear was given by Waco PD.