Hurricane Hunters venture to Homestead, provide tips on hurricane preparedness

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  • By 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  When it comes to predicting hurricane movements, Meteorologists do not rely solely on satellite images and radar to predict hurricane routes, they use data obtained by Airmen who fly directly into them.

During the most recent tropical storm threat, Airmen of the 52nd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters, out of Kessler Air Force Base, Mississippi, fly specially designed WC-130Js straight into hurricanes, tropical storms and winter storms.

"Observing the storm internally allows us to get precision data about the storms instead of making guesses via satellite," said Maj. Jon Brady, the 52nd WRS, aerial reconnaissance officer.

The Hurricane Hunters enter these storms collecting data using devices dropped from the aircraft known as "dropsondes." The dropsondes parachute down through the storms collecting information like dew point wind speed and air pressure.

"The information we gather from these missions is invaluable because it helps weather forecasters a better idea of how hurricanes will behave, making it easier to predict their routes," said Brady.

The Hurricane Hunters flew three missions out of Homestead between Aug. 27 and 28 to gather data about Tropical Storm Erika before it dissipated.

Though no major hurricanes have struck Florida since 2005, it is important be prepared. Here are a few must-haves for building a emergency supplies kit according to The National Weather Service:

· Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

· Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

· Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

· Flashlight and extra batteries

· First aid kit

· Whistle to signal for help

· Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

· Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

· Manual can opener for food

· Local maps

· Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger