Hurricane hunter Michael McAllister is discussing how drones are transforming hurricane forecasting.
In recent years, the Altius 600, created by Naples High School graduate Dan Kueme, has been a significant addition to hurricane forecasting tools.
The Altius 600, with its 8-foot wingspan, can collect data for hours, providing valuable information to meteorologists.
This year, another drone will join the Hurricane Hunters' forecasting toolbox.
"Drones can get down to a lot lower altitude than we safely can and collect a lot of interesting data that we otherwise wouldn't be able to get," Nick Underwood said.
The Black Smith and the Altius are released from a Hurricane Hunter plane, but Nick Underwood said that another type of drone is in development.
"The difference is the amount of data these drones can collect versus a singular dropsonde," Underwood said. "Going places the plane can’t go, or may not have time to go."
These advancements in drone technology are expected to significantly improve the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage.
The ability of drones to gather extensive data from areas that are otherwise inaccessible to planes marks a significant leap forward in meteorological science.
As these drones continue to evolve, their role in hurricane forecasting will likely expand, offering even more precise and timely information to those in the path of these powerful storms.