The Hurricane Hunters

The text surveys the history and practice of airborne reconnaissance into tropical cyclones, combining accounts of early observations, first flights into vortices, and improvements in weather warning systems. It describes how air, naval, and weather-service crews locate storm centers, penetrate the eye, and record winds, pressure, and sea conditions using radar, radiosondes, and modified aircraft. Interwoven are vivid mission narratives, discussions of storm structure and hazards, case studies of notable hurricanes and typhoons, and explanations of operational techniques, training, and equipment used to reduce coastal damage and improve forecasting.