US: NOAA's 'Miss Piggy' Provides a Rare View
United States - September 25, 2024 The fury of Hurricane Helene was dramatically captured from the eye of the storm by the NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft, affectionately known as "Miss Piggy," during a reconnaissance mission on September 25, 2024. As Hurricane Helene barreled towards Florida's Big Bend region, NOAA's Hurricane Hunters braved the tempest to gather vital data, showcasing the sheer power and beauty of nature's wrath. A video released from the mission provides an unprecedented glimpse into the calm yet ominous eye of Helene. The footage, shared by Hurricane Hunter Nick Underwood, not only offers a breathtaking visual but also underscores the critical role these flights play in hurricane research and forecasting. Helene, initially classified as a Category 1 hurricane, was expected to undergo rapid intensification, potentially reaching Category 4 strength before making landfall. This rapid escalation in strength is a testament to the unpredictability of hurricanes and the importance of real-time data collection.
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Fast-moving Hurricane Helene is advancing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida and has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm. Forecasters say it threatens a “catastrophic” storm surge in parts of northwestern Florida, as well as tornadoes, damaging winds, rains and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern United States. Landfall is expected Thursday evening. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday morning that models suggest Helene will make landfall further east, lessening the chances for a direct hit on the capital city of Tallahassee. The shift has the storm aimed squarely at the sparsely-populated Big Bend area.
