NWS Des Moines Open House

The National Weather Service in Des Moines is holding a public open house tomorrow (Saturday March 8) from 10 am until 3 pm. This is a copy of what is posted on the Des Moines NWS webpage:

The Des Moines NOAA / National Weather Service office will be presenting a public open house Saturday March 8 from 10 am to 3 pm. Everyone is invited to attend and no reservations are required. Children are welcome. Just arrive ready to learn and ask questions! The open house will include guided tours of our operations and various topics including the following...

* Severe weather and warnings
* Hydrology and data acquisition
* Public and aviation forecasting and dissemination
* Electronics and observation equipment.

Our office is located at 9607 NW Beaver Drive in Johnston, along the east side of the road, or about a quarter mile north of the radar tower. Maps and directions are provided via the links below.

* From Grimes or Highway 141
* From Des Moines or I-80/I-35
* From the north (Polk City or Ankeny)

Guided tours will begin every 10 minutes or so, and last approximately 50 minutes, but feel free to stay longer if you wish. Parking is limited, so car pooling is encouraged. Parking along the shoulder on Beaver Dr. is prohibited, but additional parking is available in the Corps of Engineers Acorn Valley campground just north and west of the office. Drinks and snacks will also be provided. If you have any questions, please call (515) 270-2614. We hope to see you there.

I'll likely be there for several hours tomorrow, spending time with the Iowa Storms group that will have a booth along with several other organizations. Otherwise, stay warm with temperatures nearing record lows by tomorrow morning!