This terrifying video captured the heartstopping moment plane passengers were rocked by turbulence as the jet flew into the eye of the huge Hurricane Milton as it approached Flordia’s western coast.
Terrifying footage shows scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) being thrown around.
The footage from the plane named “Miss Piggy” was captured on Tuesday as scientists collected data on the huge hurricane heading towards Tampa.
Due to the sloping of the Gulf of Mexico seafloor along Florida’s western coast, the city of Tampa is especially exposed to storm surges.
The 155 mph winds jostled the plane so vigorously, the video of the bumpy flight shows the NOAA crew holding onto the plane as their belongings were tossed around.
Storm Milton is currently just over 400 miles southwest of Tampa, expected to hit south of the city by Wednesday night.
The plane, Miss Piggy, is a Lockheed WP-3D turboprop with four engines. It’s designed to fly into storms to measure wind speed, temperature, pressure and humity.
The NAOO says the plane’s tails are fitted with radar systems to scan the storms vertically and horizontally. This is to give scientists and forecasters a real-time look at the storm.
The data is crucial to forecasters to try and predict when and where a storm will hit, as well as its potential impact.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could be the worst impact on Tampa and the surrounding areas in over 100 years if it stays on its current track.
Evacutation orders have been issued throughout the state, with a staggering 5.5 million people being affected.
Schools and businesses are continuing to close as storm surges of up to 15ft are expected.
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