Federal weather experts and military personnel will bring their specialized hurricane-tracking aircraft to Gulf Coast communities next month to help residents prepare for the 2026 storm season, which begins June 1.
During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, NOAA and U.S. Air Force Reserve teams will showcase four aircraft used to monitor dangerous storms. Community members and media representatives can get an up-close look at the planes and speak with meteorologists, scientists, and flight crews who risk their lives flying into hurricanes to gather critical data.
This year’s tour features an exceptional display of aircraft: NOAA’s Lockheed WP-3D Orion, which is marking its 50th year of hurricane tracking service, along with the agency’s Gulfstream IV-SP and Beechcraft King Air 350 CER. The U.S. Air Force Reserve will display their WC-130J aircraft.
The tour will make three stops across the region:
– Monday, May 4: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– Tuesday, May 5: Mobile International Airport, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– Wednesday, May 6: Lake Charles Chennault International Airport, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Leading hurricane experts will participate in the events, including Michael Brennan, who directs NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, and Robbie Berg, a warning coordination meteorologist at the center. Storm surge specialist Cody Fritz and Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Owen Shieh will also attend, along with flight crews from both agencies.
Media representatives seeking interviews with NOAA specialists can contact Public Affairs Officer Maria Torres at [email protected] or 305-433-1933. For Air Force Reserve interviews, contact Lt. Col. Marnee Losurdo at [email protected] or 228-377-2056.
The events aim to educate coastal residents about hurricane dangers and preparation strategies before the active season begins.
