Hurricane Milton: Scientists Fly into One of the Worst Storms in US History

Hurricane Milton: Scientists Fly into One of the Worst Storms in US History

Salute to the brave researchers.
Preedee TeoPreedee TeoOct 10th, 2024

Hurricane Milton, which President Biden says is due to be the largest hurricane in the US in 100 years, rages towards the Florida coast. However, this cataclysmic event has not deterred a team of brave researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from taking to the skies in a daring mission to study the powerful storm. 

Also read: Climate Change Is Real: These Islands Disappeared in the Last Decade 

Flying into the eye of the storm for data collection

Taken from the aircraft as the plane heads into the eye of the storm. Image credit: TheTropicNick | Official X Page

Aboard the Lockheed WP-3D Orion aircraft named “Miss Piggy,” the researchers faced the full fury of the hurricane, their harrowing experience captured on video.The video was shared on social media and offers a glimpse into the intense conditions the researchers endured. With wind and rain battering the plane, the crew remained calm and focused, even as the aircraft was violently jolted. Nick Underwood, a Programs Integration Engineer filming the flight, casually asked for help securing equipment that was tumbling from the shelves, showcasing their professionalism amidst the chaos.

Watch the video here

Research is crucial to understanding hurricanes

Hurricane Milton movement

Image credit: NHC_Atlantic | Official X Page

The NOAA explained that this “bumpy ride” was essential for collecting valuable data to improve hurricane forecasting and research. As climate change fuels stronger storms, this research is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impacts of these natural disasters.An official spokesperson for NOAA Aircraft Operations Center emphasised the importance of these missions, stating that they provide invaluable data that cannot be obtained through other means. The NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft has been a trusted aide to these hurricane researchers, flying them into storms for nearly five decades. Its role is essentially acting as a flying weather station! 

At the time of writing, the National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Milton has reached landfall as a Category Three storm, carrying extremely strong winds and high rainfall with sustained winds of 120 mph. 

Also read: 8 Indoor Activities For Gloomy Weather In Singapore 

While Hurricane Milton weakened slightly to a Category 3, it remains a powerful storm with sustained winds of 120 mph (193 km/h). Forecasters warn that the storm will continue to grow in size as it approaches landfall, making it a significant threat to coastal regions. Travellers travelling around Florida should take precautionary measures, stay updated on the latest news, and head indoors in the event of bad weather. Stay safe! 

All image credit goes to TheTropicNick | Official X Page, unless stated otherwise.

floridaHurricaneHurricane MiltonNOAAunited states

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Preedee Teo
Preedee Teo

Preedee seeks meaning in oscillating between the extraordinariness and mundaneness of life. Every once in a while, he’ll emerge from his cave of introspection with an irresistible urge to trek across the world. Don't wave at him when he's not wearing his glasses. All in all, he is a preedee chill lad.

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