Hurricane hunters two US women say they were ordered off a Spirit Airlines flight for wearing crop tops. Californian Tara Kehidi and her friend filmed a confrontation with a flight attendant, who they say asked them to get off the flight. Spirit Airlines told the it was investigating the incident, adding that its contract of carriage includes “certain clothing standards” for passengers.
Hurricane Hunters Extreme Turbulence
Hurricane hunters experienced extreme turbulence while flying into the heart of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm. On October 7, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shared dramatic footage from the cockpit of their aircraft, “Miss Piggy.” In the video, five crew members can be seen securely strapped in as the plane is jostled violently by the hurricane’s powerful winds. The turbulence caused their equipment to be thrown around, and despite the seatbelts, the crew struggled to stay steady. Some team members used their cell phones to capture the turbulent moment from their perspective.
The NOAA hurricane hunters play a critical role in gathering real-time data, essential for improving hurricane forecasts and contributing to ongoing research about these deadly storms. Their flights directly into the storm allow them to collect measurements of wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and other important meteorological variables that are crucial for predicting the storm’s strength and path. This data is particularly valuable as Hurricane Milton intensifies and heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Flying into such dangerous conditions comes with significant risks, and the mission to study Hurricane Milton highlights the bravery of the scientists involved. The flight into Milton encountered some of the strongest turbulence to date, as the storm had rapidly strengthened to a Category 5 after previously being downgraded to Category 3. Crew members aboard the plane reported that their equipment knocked into walls, and the entire aircraft rocked as it passed through the storm’s eyewall, the area with the strongest winds.
These missions are not only high-stakes but are pivotal for public safety, helping emergency officials prepare for the storm’s impact. Hurricane Milton, at the time of the flight, was moving toward Florida with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, threatening severe damage from both winds and storm surge. Local authorities have urged residents to evacuate if possible, warning of the life-threatening conditions that the storm is expected to bring.
Despite the challenging conditions, the hurricane hunters’ ability to endure such turbulence and successfully complete the mission speaks to their skill and the importance of their work. This turbulent flight into Hurricane Milton provides a glimpse into the crucial data collection efforts that aid in understanding hurricanes and improving warning systems. While the NOAA hurricane hunters continue to risk their lives, the information they gather could help save many others as Hurricane Milton makes its way toward land.
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