Part 5 of our Hurricane Smart Kids series.
Most people do everything they can to stay away from hurricanes. But there is a special group of people — scientists and pilots — who do the exact opposite. They fly their airplanes directly into the most powerful storms on Earth. They are called Hurricane Hunters, and they are some of the most important storm safety heroes you have never heard of.
Who Are the Hurricane Hunters?
There are two main groups:
NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center (AOC): Scientists and pilots who fly specially equipped research aircraft — including a plane called the WP-3D Orion, nicknamed "Miss Piggy" and "Kermit" — into tropical storms and hurricanes.
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Air Force Reserve: Military pilots and meteorologists who fly the WC-130J Hercules aircraft into storms. They have been doing this since World War II.
What Is It Like Inside the Eye of a Hurricane?
On the way in, the ride is extremely bumpy. The plane shakes and bobs through the eyewall — with winds that can exceed 150 mph. Equipment rattles. Coffee spills. Everyone holds on. And then, suddenly — calm. Inside the eye, the ride becomes smooth. The scientists can sometimes look up and see the circular wall of clouds surrounding them on all sides, like a giant stadium made of storm. Above them: blue sky and sunlight.
What Data Do They Collect?
Hurricane Hunters collect data that satellites simply cannot provide: wind speed and direction at different heights, air pressure at the storm's center, temperature and humidity, and dropsondes — small probes dropped from the plane that fall through the storm measuring the atmosphere on the way down. All of this data is transmitted in real time to the National Hurricane Center.
Why Does Their Work Save Lives?
Accurate forecasting saves lives by giving people more time to prepare and evacuate. Without Hurricane Hunter data, storm forecasts would be significantly less accurate. Every time a coastal community evacuates in advance of a major storm, some of the credit goes to the Hurricane Hunters who flew into that storm and sent back the data that made the forecast possible.
Could You Be a Hurricane Hunter?
Many Hurricane Hunters have degrees in meteorology, atmospheric science, or engineering — and some are military pilots. If you love science, weather, flying, or adventure, it is a real career path!
For parents and educators: NOAA's Hurricane Hunter program has educational resources and virtual tour materials. Excellent real-world STEM connection.