Ocean Drone Braves Hurricane Idalia, Captures Rare Footage to Improve Forecasting
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An ocean drone launched from St. Petersburg sailed into Hurricane Idalia in the Gulf of Mexico and captured rare footage of 23-foot waves and 100 mph winds.
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The footage could help improve hurricane forecasting, especially predicting rapid intensification.
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NOAA is using a fleet of 12 saildrones this hurricane season to gather surface data in stormy seas.
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The saildrones are strategically placed offshore areas where hurricanes frequently pass.
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After filming Hurricane Idalia, saildrones were redirected to observe Hurricane Lee in the Atlantic.
