Storm Éowyn: US Weather Experts Deploy Advanced Aircraft in Shannon for Atlantic Storm Research
The prestigious National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stationed one of their specialized “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft at Shannon Airport to monitor Storm Éowyn’s progression across the Atlantic. This cutting-edge Lockheed WP-3D aircraft, equipped with advanced radar and satellite technology, will conduct vital atmospheric research over the coming days.
Key Research Operations:
- Tracking Storm Éowyn’s development and movement patterns
- Analyzing North Atlantic ocean surface winds
- Gathering crucial meteorological data
- Planned observations over Bay of Biscay from Nantes, France
The Florida-based NOAA team, known for their extensive hurricane research along the Gulf of Mexico, chose Ireland as a strategic base for North Atlantic storm monitoring. Shannon’s location provides an ideal launch point for research flights extending hundreds of kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean.
This mission marks NOAA’s return to Ireland following previous successful research operations in 2017, 2018, and 2020. The team is scheduled to conduct additional research next week, continuing their comprehensive study of Atlantic weather patterns.
The organization’s work supports:
- Tropical cyclone research and forecasting
- Climate trend analysis
- US National Weather Service operations
- Oceanic and atmospheric condition monitoring