50th Anniversary Events:

Monday, March 23:Open House at NOAA's four facilities in Norman.

Tuesday, March 24:The local chapter of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association will sponsor a scientific symposium at the University of Oklahoma (OU). The symposium will be followed by a celebration dinner Tuesday evening at OU.

Wednesday, March 25:All sponsors will host a special memorial dedication ceremony at Tinker AFB to commemorate the first tornado forecast, with the ceremonies concluding after lunch at the Tinker Officers' Club.

Other items of interest associated with the celebration:

• the U.S. Postal Service is issuing a canceled post card using the 50th Anniversary of Tornado Forecasting logo as the cancellation symbol
• schools in Oklahoma are holding an essay and poster contest on tornado safety as encouraged by the Oklahoma Climate Survey's Earthstorm Project.
• Fly-over by aircraft from Tinker AFB.
• A special edition of the AMS's technical journal, "Weather and Forecasting", highlighting advances in severe weather forecasting.
• Participation by Chambers of Commerce of the surrounding cities in central Oklahoma.
• T-Shirts and baseball caps with the 50th Anniversary of Tornado Forecasting logo should be available for purchase.