Interview with a Hurricane Hunter....

[MGC]

While enjoying lunch today at the Olive Garden in Biloxi, I noticed an attractive young man wearing the uniform of the Hurricane Hunters. As we had just both finished our meals at about the same time, I walked over and struck up a conversation. I asked him if he flew or was ground support. As luck would have it, he said he was a Weather Officer and that he did indeed fly. Next I asked him if he had flown Ivan. "Sure did" he responded. He went on to say that his flight recorded the 910mb pressure in Ivan when the hurricane was just south of Cuba. He said the ride was smooth except for a couple of bumbs just before clearing the eyewall. He said on their inbound leg that one of the GPS dropsounds had reported a 165KT wind just above the surface. He said Ivan had an incredible eye as it was quiet large and cloud free. He said none of them expected the 910mb pressure. I asked him what was the worst storm he had flow to date and he said Allison back in 2001 when it was a tropical storm. I thanked him for risking his life and to keep up the good work........MGC

[Guest]

Wow you should have given him my email. I am planning on having someone from there on the show.

[MGC]

Wish I had known Bob, I encounter Hurricane Hunters frequenly as they are all over the place right now since they are standing down. Perhaps I'll give the next one I talk to S2K's address.....MGC