NOAA Plane Endures Intense Turbulence in Hurricane Milton Mission

Researchers brave extreme conditions to gather critical data on the storm's path and intensity as it approaches Florida.

NOAA's WP-3D Orion aircraft, 'Miss Piggy,' flew directly into Hurricane Milton to collect vital data for forecasting and research.
The aircraft encountered severe turbulence, causing equipment and crew members to be jostled during the flight.
Hurricane Milton, fluctuating between Categories 3, 4, and 5, is expected to make landfall in Florida, posing significant danger to the region.
NOAA's mission included deploying dropsondes to measure atmospheric conditions, crucial for accurate storm predictions.
In a tribute, the ashes of radar scientist Peter Dodge were scattered in the hurricane's eye, honoring his contributions to meteorological science.