MINATARE, Neb. (AP) — Construction is expected to be finished before Christmas on a storm shelter being built at a Nebraska Panhandle school.

The shelter at Minatare Junior/Senior High School will provide a safe place for people during tornadoes and other violent storms and provide extra space for sports and other school events.

The shelter addition will be made out of concrete blocks that will be fully grouted and reinforced. The ceilings will consist of pre-cast concrete slabs. District Superintendent Tim Cody says it will protect up to 500 people inside against wind speeds of up to 250 mph.

The addition will include a generator room, storage/concessions area, men’s and women’s bathrooms and a small gym. The total cost of the project will be $850,000.