"Saildrone" Gets an Inside Look at Major Hurricane Sam

news image
Special Stories
4 Oct 2021 1:30 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxTEMxQMxuU&t=6s The 2021 Hurricane Season is bringing firsts in scientific discovery. A "Saildrone" got an inside look at a Category 4 Hurricane when it was directed into Hurricane Sam in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, September 30th. https://twitter.com/NOAAResearch/status/1443670149672886283 According to the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), the Sail Drone sustained 50 foot waves and measured 120 mph sustained winds. The drone is sent into the storm to "collect real-time observations for numerical hurricane prediction models, which are expected to yield new insights into how large and destructive tropical cyclones grow and intensify." https://twitter.com/NOAAComms/status/1443672839106834435 The Saildrone is an unscrewed surface vehicle, or USV, developed privately, and partnering with NOAA to improve hurricane forecasting technology. The Saildrones have been used across other parts of the world's oceans to collect various data. https://twitter.com/NASAExpeditions/status/1442514518584684546 For more on Hurricane Sam's official forecast, click here. We'll have more on the Saildrone's findings on WeatherNation throughout the week.
All Weather News
More
SW Pattern Change Ahead: Tracking Rain & Snow

SW Pattern Change Ahead: Tracking Rain & Snow

While much of the country, and in particular

30 Mar 2026 9:30 AM
More Record Highs Obliterated in Historic Heat Wave

More Record Highs Obliterated in Historic Heat Wave

ABOVE - The month of March has been setting r

30 Mar 2026 2:30 AM
Passing Fronts Increase Fire Danger

Passing Fronts Increase Fire Danger

It's been unbearably hot across the West for

30 Mar 2026 2:25 AM
Large Hail Hits the Midwest, Strong Storms Return This Week

Large Hail Hits the Midwest, Strong Storms Return This Week

A strong cold front raced across the Midwest

30 Mar 2026 2:10 AM
Artemis 2 Set To Launch Wednesday, Watching the Forecast

Artemis 2 Set To Launch Wednesday, Watching the Forecast

Artemis 2 is finally ready to launch! After t

29 Mar 2026 7:50 PM
PEAK BLOOM - Cherry Blossoms Emerge at the National Mall

PEAK BLOOM - Cherry Blossoms Emerge at the National Mall

Top Image Credit: National Parks ServiceSprin

29 Mar 2026 7:00 PM
Pineapple Express Delivers Another Round of Rain

Pineapple Express Delivers Another Round of Rain

Heavy rainfall from moisture that inundated t

24 Mar 2026 9:45 AM