Hurricane hunters fly into Hurricane Milton to collect data

SUMMARY

NOAA's "Miss Piggy," a Lockheed WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunter, flew directly into the eye of Hurricane Milton as it barreled across the Gulf of Mexico, heading toward Florida's west coast. A video taken from inside the cockpit captured the intense conditions as the crew collected crucial data. "These flights collect critical data that helps improve forecasts and support hurricane research," NOAA shared in a post. Branded with the iconic Muppet logo on its nose, "Miss Piggy" is one of NOAA’s two Hurricane Hunters, tasked with gathering vital information on storms. On Monday, the flight took place as Milton rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching a staggering 180 mph.