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

April 16, 2026

People line up to board the NOAA and U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft during the Gulf Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 4, 2024. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force)

Media and public invited to tour the Hurricane Hunter aircraft

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.…