🚁 Inside the Eye of Hurricane Melissa Step into the cockpit of NOAA’s WP‑3D Orion as it penetrates Hurricane Melissa — a blur of turbulence, technology, and bravery. ✔️ Since 22 October, NOAA crews have flown nearly 100 flight hours into Melissa, deploying over 200 dropsondes to gather critical data on wind, pressure, and humidity. ✔️ One dropsonde recorded wind speeds of 219 knots (~252 mph) — possibly the highest ever measured in a tropical cyclone. ✔️ Missions typically last 8 to 10 hours, o

NOAA researchers share what their bumpy ride was like as they explored Hurricane Melissa’s eye.⁠ ⁠ The storm has been barreling through the Caribbean, devastating Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, leaving dozens dead.⁠ ⁠ Here's the full video from the NOAA Hurricane Hunters. http://4.nbcla.com/XAkzLGC | NBC LA

Since Oct. 22, our crews have flown nearly 100 flight hours into Hurricane #Melissa, releasing more than 200 dropsondes to collect critical data that helps refine the forecasts. Take a look at some of our mission highlights from inside the storm on the @NOAA WP-3D Orion #NOAA42 "Kermit." Visit NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and hurricanes.gov for the latest forecasts and advisories. #FlyNOAA | The NOAA Hurricane Hunters