On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video was shared by NOAA aircraft showing a plane flying through Hurricane Milton for research.
On the X platform, harrowing footage captured by NOAA aircraft shows a plane flying through Hurricane Milton for research.
This video left viewers shocked about the dangers of Hurricane Milton.
Daring mission by NOAA Aircraft
Harrowing footage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showcases a research plane flying directly into Hurricane Milton.
The Lockheed WP-3D Orion aircraft, known as “Miss Piggy,” faced violent turbulence as it collected crucial data.
The video captures a turbulent ride through an impenetrable gray sky, pounded by torrential rain. NOAA Aircraft Operations Center shared the footage on X, stating:
“Bumpy ride into Hurricane #Milton on @NOAA WP-3D Orion.”
The purpose of the flight through Hurricane Milton
The primary goal of this mission was to collect data for hurricane research.
This information helps improve storm forecasting.
Inside the plane were at least four NOAA researchers, including Electrical Engineer Tom Brannigan.
The turbulence inside the plane quickly escalated.
A plastic bag tied to a shelf rotated 180 degrees, spilling its contents on the floor. Programs Integration Engineer Nick Underwood, who was filming, asked:
“Can you grab my phone real quick?”
As Brannigan reached for the phone, the turbulence intensified. Items began flying off shelves, and Underwood pointed his camera at the mess.
“Damn,” he exclaimed, laughing at the chaos.
Underwood then captured another colleague gripping a cooler tightly to prevent it from flying away.
“When you get a chance, can you grab my wallet too? Gotta keep these pockets zipped!” he joked.
After belting “Good God,” Brannigan returned to the window, revealing clearer skies ahead.
NOAA’s expertise in Hurricane research
This isn’t the first time NOAA’s aircraft have braved storms.
Jonathan Shannon, Public Affairs Specialist for NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, stated:
“Our NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft have been flying into storms for almost 50 years.”
Shannon emphasized the necessity of these missions for collecting vital data that forecasters need.
“We basically take a weather station to the weather,” he explained.
Despite the researchers’ calm demeanor, Shannon noted that flying through a hurricane is still dangerous. He stated:
“We do our best to mitigate that danger.”
Social media reaction
The Harrowing footage captures plane flying through Hurricane Milton quickly went viral and sparked discussion on social.
Many expressed their shock at the intensity of the storm and the dangers of Hurricane Milton, which devastated the U.S.
One person said: I’m turning a kryptonite shade of Kermit just thinking about your ride in Miss Piggy right now.
A second wrote: Impressive work by the pilots and crews on board!
While a third commented: Holy smokes! No longer needed to be nervous about commercial turbulence.
Another added: Flew in P-3C while in the Navy and loved flying in them. Would be amazing to fly in one again into a hurricane.
Someone else said: Obviously an attempt at weather modification.
The daring mission of NOAA’s WP-3D Orion showcases the agency’s commitment to hurricane research.
By flying directly into storms, NOAA provides invaluable data that enhances forecasting and preparedness.
The footage captures not only the intensity of the storm but also the researchers’ unwavering spirit in the face of danger.