Ocean Drone Braves Hurricane Idalia, Captures Rare Footage to Improve Forecasting

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.

The footage could help improve hurricane forecasting, especially predicting rapid intensification.

NOAA is using a fleet of 12 saildrones this hurricane season to gather surface data in stormy seas.

The saildrones are strategically placed offshore areas where hurricanes frequently pass.

After filming Hurricane Idalia, saildrones were redirected to observe Hurricane Lee in the Atlantic.