Celebration

On March 23-25, 1998, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service, National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma and the Air Force will host an extended celebration in Norman, Oklahoma, and at Tinker AFB (located approximately 10 miles north of Norman) as a tribute to the 50 years of tornado forecasting.
This celebration will recognize the milestones in tornado forecasting over the past half-century, including the rapid advancements in severe weather watches and warnings that have been realized during the past few years through the new WSR-88D Doppler radar and interactive computer systems.
The Golden Anniversary Celebration will also highlight the exciting future which lies ahead from better scientific understanding and integration of rapidly advancing computer systems into operational meteorological forecasting.

Participants

A number of distinguished guests are expected to participate in the ceremonies. Invited guests include the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Administrator, Directors of the National Weather Service and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and the U.S. Air Force Director of Weather. Invitations will also be extended to the Vice President, federal, state and local elected officials, and constituents.

Considering the impact of the event, The Celebration will be given wide media attention throughout the United States. Numerous television stations already have expressed an interest in covering the ceremonies. The interest in The Celebration is already high and many people are expected to attend the ceremonies. Come join us in celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Tornado Forecasting: 50 Years of Service to the American People.