NWC Policies

National Weather Center Visitation Policies

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.

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 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 Protocol

The National Weather Center (“NWC”), including its academic and research units, are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all students, employees, and participants in their day-to-day work as well as in any conference, workshop, field project, or project hosted or managed by the NWC no matter what role they play or their background. The NWC prohibits discrimination and/or harassment of anyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran, as well as any other characteristics protected under state or federal law.

We expect all students, employees, and participants (including those not directly affiliated with OU/NWC partners) to abide by the NWC Protocol (pdf) when operating in the NWC or during any NWC-related event. This Protocol is a compilation of relevant University policies assembled for convenience and this Protocol does not supersede or modify any existing OU or NWC partner policies.

Information for Foreign National Guests

NWC Security guidelines require that foreign nationals (non-US citizens) obtain 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.