Have you ever wondered what the inside of a major hurricane looks like? Well, look no further.


What You Need To Know

  • NOAA worked with the company Saildrone to collect hurricane data for the second year in a row

  • A saildrone was able to view the inside of a major hurricane

  • The data collected by saildrones could help improve forecasting in the future

For the second year in a row, NOAA teamed up with Saildrone to capture amazing footage inside a major hurricane.

They directed Saildrone Explorer SD 1078 in Hurricane Fiona, which reached Category 4 strength while in the open Atlantic.

According to Saildrone Inc., a saildrone is a wind and solar-powered machine with 20 science sensors on it, used to collect meteorological and oceanographic data. With the saildrone's special hurricane wing, it can operate in extreme wind conditions, allowing it to collect real-time observations for hurricane prediction models.

The SD 1078 sailed through 50-foot waves and winds over 100 mph inside Hurricane Fiona. It sailed at 9 mph but reached almost 40 mph while surfing down a massive wave.

The first voyage

Last year, NOAA and Saildrone captured incredible footage inside Hurricane Sam.

They directed Saildrone Explorer SD 1045 into Sam, also a Category 4 hurricane, where the saildrone battled 50-foot waves and winds over 120 mph.

The saildrone was able to get very close to the eye of the hurricane. In the video below, you can see its exact location.

The saildrones are a part of a mission that could help improve forecasting and understanding hurricane intensification, which would lead to a reduction in loss of human life if coastal communities could better prepare.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

-

Facebook Twitter