2026 Hurricane Awareness Tour

2026
Hurricane Awareness Tour

Mobile, AL

Hurricane experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will visit four U.S. Gulf Coast locations, flying aboard a USAF Reserve WC-130J hurricane hunter aircraft, a NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft, a NOAA G-IV, and a NOAA King Air. The main purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the impacts of tropical cyclone threats and the danger of being caught without a personal hurricane plan. The 2026 Hurricane Awareness Tour is scheduled to stop at Mobile International Airport on Tuesday, May 5th.

*Event Information*

What:	2026 Hurricane Awareness Tour

Where:	Mobile International Airport - Mobile, AL 2455 Michigan Ave Mobile, AL

When:	Tuesday, May 5, 2026 2:00 - 4:00 PM (Gates close at 3 PM to new entries)

Admission:	FREE!

Things To Do:

Tour Hurricane Hunter aircraft
Meet the pilots & flight crew
Speak with hurricane forecasters
Meet with local National Weather Service meteorologists
Walk through exhibits from various agencies & organizations
Learn about weather safety & preparedness

About the Planes


		WC-130J - "Hercules" The WC-130J is one of ten such aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force Reservists from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, 403rd Wing, located at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. The military air crews fly directly into the core of tropical cyclones to gather data that are critical for forecasting a hurricane’s intensity and landfall. The data are sent in real time via satellite from the aircraft directly to the National Hurricane Center for analysis and use by hurricane forecasters.


WP-3D - "Orion" The versatile turboprop aircraft is equipped with a variety of scientific instrumentation, radars, and recording systems for both in-situ and remote sensing measurements of the atmosphere, the earth, and its’ environment. Orion aircraft collects low-altitude data to fill gaps in data not available from ground-based radar or satellite imagery.


		Gulfstream IV-SP The G-IV jet is a high-tech, high-flying, and high-speed platform used for hurricane forecasting and research. The G-IV flies around and over developing tropical cyclones to create a detailed picture of the surrounding upper atmosphere.


King Air NOAA operates two Beechcraft King Air 350 CERs and one King Air 360CER. In the wake of a hurricane, these versatile, twin-engine, extended-range turboprop aircraft conduct emergency response operations that map destruction and guide recovery efforts in the most affected regions.

Schedule

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM	Media Briefing
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Student Aircraft Tours
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Public Tours
3:00 PM	Gates Close to the Public (MUST be in line no later than 3 PM)
5:00 PM	Aircraft Depart

Directions & Parking

The address of this event is: 2455 Michigan Ave, Mobile, AL 36615.

Driving Directions

From U.S. Hwy 41, turn east onto Tallevast Rd and continue straight.
Turn right onto Clyde Jones Rd and continue straight.
Continue straight on Clyde Jones Rd until reaching the destination on the left.

From U.S. Hwy 301, turn west onto Tallevast Rd and continue straight.
Immediately after passing the intersection of 301 Blvd E, turn left onto Clyde Jones Rd and continue straight.
Continue straight on Clyde Jones Rd until reaching the destination on the left.

Participants

List of Booths: