National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers undergo an “eventful” voyage after sending a plane into the eye of Hurricane Milton to collect data on the massive storm heading toward Florida. I was disappointed.
The flight mission was conducted by Aircraft Operations Center's WP-3D Orion #NOAA43 airplane, affectionately known as “Miss Piggy.”
The agency said in a social media post that operations like “Miss Piggy” are deployed to improve predictions of hurricane paths and strength, and collect critical data to aid hurricane research. said.
“Data collected by the agency's high-altitude weather stations helps forecasters make accurate predictions during hurricanes and helps hurricane researchers better understand storm processes and improve forecasting models. useful,” the agency said.
Florida coast warns others to 'evacuate' as Hurricane Milton approaches: 'We have no idea' what will happen
A NOAA Lockheed WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft (N43RF) departs from Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida. (NOAA)
NOAA Program and Integration Engineer Nick Underwood stands next to aircraft systems and below one of NOAA's two Lockheed WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft. (Sophie Talbert NOAA)
NOAA program and integration engineer Nick Underwood filmed the intense flight through the Category 5 cyclone.
Video captured a chaotic flight, with Underwood's cell phone, wallet and other items flying around the plane.
Radar view from NOAA WP-3D Orion N43RF “Miss Piggy” at the circulation center of the 2023 tropical storm. (NOAA Nick Underwood)
The plane is piloted and crewed by members of the NOAA Commissioned Offers Corp., and scientists onboard use instruments that continuously transmit measurements to the ground.
Walt Disney World closes ahead of Hurricane Milton
Crew members will measure the storm's pressure, humidity, temperature, wind direction and speed, providing a “detailed study of the storm's structure and its strength.”
Hurricane Milton's projected path indicates it will likely impact much of the Florida peninsula. (FOX Weather)
Forecasters said Milton was expected to make landfall on Florida's Midwest Gulf Coast Wednesday night.
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Its strength may fluctuate, but it will remain an “extremely dangerous hurricane” until it makes landfall.
