DOGE cancels Radar Operations Center lease

NORMAN — Just in time for the beginning of tornado season, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has listed the Radar Operations Center in Norman as part of its lease terminations.

The lease was one of two for buildings under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that were canceled.

The square footage of 18,743 listed on the DOGE website matches the description for a government building at 1200 Westheimer Drive in Norman. This address has also been listed as the Radar Operations Center’s official address.

The move comes just days after DOGE announced the Social Security Administration office in Lawton was set to have its lease terminated as well.

Hundreds of NOAA and National Weather Service (NWS) employees were laid off in recent days.

The radar operations center is tasked with servicing radar operations and improvements nationwide, according to their website.

It is unclear what the impacts of the lease termination will be.

Representative Tom Cole offered remarks in a press release sent to The Constitution:

“As a resident of Moore, I know firsthand how important the National Weather Center in Norman is. The center saves lives by alerting the American people when a tornado, hurricane, or any other severe storm is coming their way. Therefore, my staff and I are in contact with the Administration to ensure that they understand how valuable and vital the National Weather Center is — especially with storm season right around the corner,” said Congressman Cole. “I am confident once all the facts are known, the National Weather Center will remain operational and in Oklahoma.”

The Constitution has reached out to the National Oceaniac and Atmospheric Administration but has not received a response.