HOUSTON – It's every weather geek's dream to fly into a storm. So, you can imagine my excitement to fly with the hurricane hunters today.
I was given the official approval from our Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron "Hurricane Hunters" to ride with them as they fly into Isaac. My flight took off at 2 p.m. but we needed to arrive two hours early for a special briefing.
We will be dropping dropsondes, an instrument used to measure Isaac's temperature, humidity, pressure and wind conditions.
As a meteorologist, it's our job to forecast and analyze storms to keep you and your family safe. It's a job we take very seriously.
I must admit weather absolutely fascinates me. As a California girl, born and raised, I moved to Texas to experience and forecast "real" weather! I'm ready as I'll ever be for this once-in-a-lifetime experience to fly with the hurricane hunters. I've been waiting for this moment since I moved here to Houston two years ago.
I definitely can't wait to share this experience with you. I'll be taking pictures and videos during our 11-hour flight as we fly through and zig zag across Isaac. We should be in the storm as it makes landfall tonight. Wish me luck!
P.S. I already bought non-drowsy motion sickness prevention meds, just in case! I'm heading out to buy sound blocking headphones for the loud flight right now. Thanks for the advice, Frank!
Mary Lee is ready to board her flight on the Hurricane Hunter.