Miami, Florida – Since October 22, 2025, NOAA crews have flown nearly 100 hours into Hurricane Melissa, gathering crucial data to improve forecasts and track the storm’s progress.

The flights released more than 200 dropsondes, instruments that measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind as they descend through the hurricane. Each drop provides scientists with vital information to refine predictions and anticipate the storm’s path and intensity.

Footage from inside the hurricane on the NOAA WP-3D Orion, known as NOAA42 “Kermit,” shows crews navigating turbulent skies while deploying instruments in real time. The video captures the scale and power of Melissa from within, highlighting the bravery and skill of the flight teams.

These missions are part of NOAA’s ongoing hurricane research and monitoring, supporting the National Hurricane Center in providing up-to-date advisories to the public. Officials continue to urge residents to follow forecasts closely at the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center and hurricanes.gov for the latest information.

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