NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) researches ways to observe and predict severe weather to save lives and reduce economic loss. NSSL scientists and engineers work to understand the causes of severe weather and explore innovative ways to use that knowledge to improve forecasts and warnings. NSSL transfers scientific understanding, applications, and techniques to decision-makers to support a Weather-Ready Nation.
Website: nssl.noaa.gov
The National Weather Service Norman Forecast Office prepares and disseminates life-saving warnings, watches and advisories for all types of hazardous weather conditions affecting 48 counties in central, western and southern Oklahoma and eight counties in western north Texas. In addition to providing services to protect life and property, the office also produces a wide variety of forecasts, and collects and disseminates climatological and hydrologic data and observations. The office is part of the Southern Region of the National Weather Service. Meteorologists are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Website: weather.gov/oun
The Storm Prediction Center provides hazardous weather forecasts including critical tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for the contiguous United States. The SPC also monitors heavy rain, heavy snow and fire weather events across the U.S. and issues specific national products for those hazards. Part of the National Weather Service’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction, SPC meteorologists are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Website: spc.noaa.gov
The NEXRAD Radar Operations Center provides centralized meteorological, computer software, maintenance, and engineering support for all 158 NEXRAD (WSR-88D) radar systems deployed worldwide. Supported by the Departments of Commerce, Transportation and Defense, the ROC is responsible for modifying and enhancing the WSR-88D systems during their operational life to address changing requirements, technology advances and improved understanding of the application of these systems to real-time weather operations. The ROC also operates and maintains WSR-88D test systems for the development of hardware and software upgrades to enhance system reliability, maintenance, operation and provide new functionality. The facility maintains a 24 hour, seven days a week help desk that assists radar sites with technical support. The ROC also provides or arranges for depot-level maintenance support for field sites. The ROC was established in 1987.
Website: roc.noaa.gov/WSR88D
The Warning Decision Training Division develops and delivers training on the integrated elements of the warning process within a National Weather Service forecast office. Part of the National Weather Service Training Division, the WDTD training activities provide basic and advanced WSR-88D operator proficiency, with an emphasis on the integrated data environment, warning methodology and situational awareness. Established in 1989, the WDTD’s goal is to increase expertise among NWS personnel in order to better serve the public in warning situations.
Website: wdtd.noaa.gov
