“Heading straight into the eye …” The NOAA Hurricane Hunters releasing video of a flight mission into Hurricane Melissa “to collect critical data that helps improve forecasts and research,” according to their social media post. The NOAA reported Monday that one of their flights was forced to cut its mission short and temporarily land for “inspection and maintenance” after encountering stronger-than-normal turbulence. The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunters issued a similar announcement Tu

HURRICANE HUNTERS FLY INTO THE EYE OF CATEGORY 5 STORM MELISSA The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew into the eye of Hurricane Melissa on Monday (Oct. 27) to collect crucial data for the National Hurricane Center. With winds reaching 175 mph (282 kph), the Category 5 storm threatens Jamaica with catastrophic damage as it nears landfall. 📷: Reuters | GMA Public Affairs

167K views · 2.5K reactions | Today our @NOAA WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunter aircraft deployed to begin missions into Tropical Storm #Erin ✈️ These flights collect critical data to improve forecasts and support hurricane research. For the latest forecasts and advisories, visit @NWSNHC_Hurricanes and hurricanes.gov. #FlyNOAA | The NOAA Hurricane Hunters | Facebook