NOAA and U.S. Air Force Reserve ‘Hurricane Hunters’ to visit the Gulf Coast

NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events during National Hurricane Preparedness Week to help Gulf Coast communities prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. 

The media and the public are invited to meet NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members and get a close-up look at some of the aircraft that help forecasters keep people safe. This year is unique as four aircraft will be on display:  the NOAA-owned Lockheed WP-3D Orion, which is celebrating 50 years of service, Gulfstream IV-SP, and Beechcraft King Air 350 CER; and the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s WC-130J. 

WHAT:

NOAA’s National Hurricane Awareness Tour Gulf Coast 

WHEN:

Monday, May 4, through Wednesday, May 6, 2026

WHERE:

The locations of all airports and times for tours:

• May 4, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
• May 5, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Mobile International Airport
• May 6, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Lake Charles Chennault International Airport 

WHO:

• Michael Brennan, director, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center 
• Robbie Berg, warning coordination meteorologist, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center 
• Cody Fritz, storm surge specialist lead, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center 
• Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center 
• Flight crews from NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft
• Flight crew from the U.S. Air Force Reserve aircraft