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Visit the National Weather Center

The National Weather Center is comprised of multiple agencies from the federal, state and local levels, combined with academic entities as well as research and development partners.  These organizations work together in partnership to improve understanding of events occurring in the Earth's atmosphere over a wide range of time and space scales. The NWC houses approximately 550 people. This including research scientists, operational meteorologists and climatologists, engineers, technicians, support staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.

The National Weather Center front entrance and fountain. The National Weather Center Building historical marker is in the foreground.

 


 

Visiting the National Weather Center without a Scheduled Tour

Tour additions within 24 hours of a scheduled tour are prohibited for security purposes.

If you visit the NWC without an arranged meeting or tour reservation, your experience will be limited to the first floor of the building, which features Science on a Sphere and the Flying Cow Café.

Please bring a valid ID, (such as a driver's license, OU, NOAA, or Research Campus ID) to assist with checking in at the security desk.

NWC security guidelines require that foreign nationals (non-US citizens) obtain a security clearance.  Foreign national visitors are required to complete and submit the NWC Foreign National Visitor Form at least two weeks in advance of a tour date.  In order to receive the required form, you must first register for a tour.

 


 

NWC Visitor Bag Policy

Prohibited bags, backpack, clear backpack, purse, non-clear merchandise bag, tinted plastic tote, solid or clear drawstring bag, printed pattern plastic bag, diaper bag, camera bag, binocular case, fanny pack, mesh bag. Approved bags: 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote (anything larger is prohibited), 6.5" x 4.5" small clutch purse. National Weather Center Visitor Bag Policy.

Due to heightened security measures, the following baggage and parcel control policy is in effect for the National Weather Center (see the above graphic for prohibited and approved bags):

  • Visitors are allowed only a small clutch purse or small clear tote for tours of the National Weather Center. 
  • Prohibited bags include: backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, camera bags, purses, luggage, shopping bags, large cameras or other items that can offer concealment. Please leave these items in your vehicle prior to the tour.
  • Wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, canes, umbrellas, jackets, sweaters, small wallets, medication, small cameras and camcorders, cell phones, and small sealable beverage containers are permitted and subject to inspection.
  • This policy is subject to change without notice.

 

Click here to schedule your visit!