Researchers share drone footage of what it’s like inside Hurricane Sam

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NOAA and Saildrone Inc. are piloting five specially designed surface drones in the Atlantic Ocean to gather data around the clock to help understand the physical processes of hurricanes.

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The data collected from the drone should give researchers new insights into how large and destructive tropical cyclones grow and intensify, all with the purpose of improving storm forecasting. Information gained from this research can help reduce loss of life during serious storms and better prepare coastal communities, NOAA said.

«Using data collected by saildrones, we expect to improve forecast models that predict rapid intensification of hurricanes, Greg Foltz, a NOAA scientist said in a statement. «Rapid intensification, when hurricane winds strengthen in a matter of hours, is a serious threat to coastal communities. New data from saildrones and other uncrewed systems that NOAA is using will help us better predict the forces that drive hurricanes and be able to warn communities earlier.

The U.S. has been hit with several hurricanes during the very active 2021 season that have caused major damage, long-term power outages and massive flooding.

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The drone is built to survive a chaotic ride

The Saildrone Explorer SD 1045 is able to stand up to punishing winds and waves thanks to its special «hurricane wing, according to NOAA.

It’s also one of a fleet of five «hurricane surface drones that have been operating in the Atlantic Ocean during hurricane season, gathering data nonstop.

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A drone sailed into Hurricane Sam and sent back this image.

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Ocean swells generated by Sam are still likely to impact the northern Leeward Islands and the Greater Antilles, including Puerto Rico, during the next few days.

Bermuda and the Bahamas will start to experience those potentially life-threatening swells late Friday, which will then spread to the U.S. East Coast by the weekend.