The National Weather Service in Johnston is hosting an open house for the public this Saturday (Sept. 21st). The event will be held at the NWS office (9607 Beaver Ave.), from 10-a.m. until 3-p.m.  Parking is available at the Acorn Valley Campground, just north of the office. The theme of the event is “Weather Enterprise.” The event is free, but a food drive is being held at the same time to benefit the local food pantries of Central Iowa. You’re welcome to bring a non-perishable food item to donate.

Among the local partner booths available during the open house, are those associated with: The U-S Geological Survey (USGS); U-S Army Corps of Engineers; Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management; Polk County Emergency Mgmt.; Iowa Environmental Mesonet; Mid-Iowa Skywarn; Safeguard Iowa; Central Iowa television stations KCCI, WOI and WHO; and the local chapters of the National Weather Association and American Meteorological Society.

Officials say you will not be allowed to bring bags, backpacks, or purses into the building for security reasons. Cameras are allowed, however. For more information: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/dmx/dmxsocialmedia/OpenHouse2013.pdf