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Hurricane Hunters Fly Into Tropical Depression Two

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunters are conducting a low-level investigation today as the second tropical depression of the Atlantic Hurricane Season forms off the coast of North Carolina.

The Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron are assigned to the 403rd Wing and stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The team of Reservists is flying into Tropical Depression Two to determine if a strong counter-clockwise rotation is present and if there is what is known as closed circulation. The data the Hurricane Hunters provide to the National Hurricane Center in Miami later this evening will help forecasters determine if the depression remains a threat and whether the system is strengthening or weakening.

"Directly measuring the conditions within the storm provides emergency managers with the best information possible. With that information in hand, it allows them to know where evacuations should occur, what type of impact can be expected and most importantly helps save lives by informing the public of what to expect," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Talbot, chief aerial reconnaissance weather officer.

The center of Tropical Depression Two was located about 210 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. this afternoon.

The depression is moving toward the north near 5 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. A slow turn toward the north-northwest or northwest is expected to occur later tonight or Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and the depression could become a tropical storm later today or tonight.

People in areas that could be impacted by this tropical weather system are urged to monitor local weather reports.

The Hurricane Hunters will rotate aircraft into the depression as long as it remains a threat.