With Hurricane Milton set to make landfall in Florida tomorrow, countless folks have begun to prepare. This includes, of course, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the United States, they provide us with the vital info we need to have regarding storms. But have you ever wondered exactly how they get details on hurricanes before they make landfall? There are a couple of ways, actually, but there is one that might surprise you.
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One you might expect is through the use of satellites. While this is helpful, NOAA needs to sample storms directly for more detailed info we couldn’t get otherwise. This allows us to get the most accurate forecast that we can. So, to do this, NOAA sends out Hurricane Hunters. In other words, these brave experts venture out in aircrafts that go directly through hurricanes. Get a glimpse into what these bumpy rides are like in the video below.
@salty_aviator Watched the NOAA Hurricane Hunters work their magic today while flying through Hurricane Milton. We went out there expecting a Category 1 and we found a Category 4. Had my first 3 ever eye wall penetrations! It was amazing seeing this team work cohesively together in order to gather data that is necessary for updating the hurricane’s predicted trajectory and potential impacts! #hurricanemilton #hurricane #hurricanehunters #flynoaa #noaa #noaacorps #category4 #nhc #nationalhurricanecenter #weather ♬ Free Bird – MOONLGHT
Wow, what an intense ride! The turbulence experienced in an average plane ride must feel like nothing compared to these dangerous winds. And still, these Hurricane Hunters are capable of navigating their way through the chaos, all so we can stay informed. How cool is that!?
NOAA Hurricane Hunters Prep for Hurricane Milton by Flying Directly Through the Storm
Whenever these Hurricane Hunters are set to fly through a storm, they’re sure to take a ride on one of three aircrafts. Their journey and mission are always serious, but their aircrafts have been given quite silly, and oddly comforting, names. All three originate from The Muppets: Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Gonzo.
“I will forever remember airplanes can handle this so I can handle a lil bumps on my flights,” someone takes note in the comment section, with another adding, “Literal heroes who deserve to be recognized for risking their lives to save others!”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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