The National Weather Center houses meteorologists from the University of Oklahoma, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and state organizations. These groups work together to improve understanding of atmospheric events, especially severe and hazardous weather. Pre-register and book an appointment for the official public tour of this Norman weather facility to witness experts in action.

The tour lasts an hour and includes visits to the School of Meteorology, the National Weather Center observation deck and classroom and laboratory facilities. View the Science on a Sphere global display on the ground floor to learn about climate change, atmospheric storms and ocean temperatures. You can also attend a daily weather briefing during your visit. Scheduled tour groups can also stop by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, the Norman National Weather Service Forecast Office and the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. 

Two main highlights of the National Weather Center tour include the Flying Cow Cafe and live props from the "Twister" movie. These must-experience elements of the weather prediction center include tornado testing gadgets like Dorothy and Dot from "Twister." The Flying Cow Cafe, named after the flying cows in "Twister," offers juicy burgers and refreshing sodas to the public.