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National Weather Center Clear 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.

National Weather Center Tours & Information

Public Tours

Parties of 9 or fewer
  • Public tours are offered on Mondays and Fridays at 10 am
  • Tour duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Public tours include visits to the McCasland Family Observation Deck, School of Meteorology, the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, the NWS Norman Weather Forecast Office, and the National Severe Storm Laboratory.

To sign up for a Public Tour of the NWC, use the following calendar widget. 

Group Tours

Parties of 10 or more, maximum 25

  • Group tours are offered on Thursdays at 10 am
  • Please indicate group size in tour reservation (tour groups larger than 35 require additional tour guides). Please reference ogranization/group name (if applicable) in tour reservation.
  • All groups and their chaperones must adhere to the National Weather Center Etiquette & Chaperone Responsibilities Policy
  • Please request group tours at least 2-4 weeks in advance and provide the tour guest list (first name, last name, country of citizenship) one week before your tour.
  • Foreign national guests need to submit security clearance two weeks in advance of tour date.
  • Tour duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Group tours include visits to the McCasland Family Observation Deck, School of Meteorology, the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, the NWS Norman Weather Forecast Office, and the National Severe Storm Laboratory.

School Tours

  • School tours are offered on Thursdays at 10 am
  • Please indicate school group size in tour reservation (school tour size limit is a maximum of 30 students, chaperones not included).  Make sure to also include your school name in your tour reservation.
  • For every 10 students (K-12), 1 teacher/chaperone is required on the tours
  • All school groups and their chaperones must adhere to the National Weather Center Etiquette & Chaperone Responsibilities Policy (pdf)
  • Tour duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Group tours include visits to the McCasland Family Observation Deck, School of Meteorology, the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center, the NWS Norman Weather Forecast Office, and the National Severe Storm Laboratory.

To sign up for a Group or School Tour of the NWC, use the following calendar widget. 

 

 

General Tour Information

  • All tours require a reservation due to scheduling and security guidelines (walk-in tours are not permitted).  Tours fill up quickly, so please allow 2-4 weeks' advance notice for reservations.
  • Only those tour guests registered in advance will be allowed to tour the NWC.  On-site and last-minute additions to the tour guest list are prohibited for security purposes.
  • Federal offices are part of the National Weather Center.  All persons entering those spaces are subject to federal policies, guidelines, and regulations.  All persons and packages are subject to inspection.
  • Tours are not available on federal holidays, school holidays, and on occasion due to scheduled events.
  • There is no charge for tours of the National Weather Center.
  • The National Weather Center tour is a walking tour, as guests will visit various spaces and offices throughout the facility.  The National Weather Center is handicapped accessible, however, if a tour guest needs a mobility device for the tour, (walker, wheelchair, powerchair, cane, etc.) tour guests will need to bring those devices with them for the tour.
  • A camera or cellphone are allowed on the tour for photography, but please refrain from using the flash.

 

 

Two NWC Tour Guides give a presentation to a group of guests in the NWC Visitor Center. National Weather Center. OU.
Two NWC Tour Guides give a presentation to a group of guests in the NWC Visitor Center. (2019)

 

 

NWC Virtual Tour

Click here to watch our virtual tour of the National Weather Center in Norman, OK.  We encourage those interested in scheduling a virtual visit to watch before scheduling in case questions arise.