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BILOXI — The Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing on Monday evacuated aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base to forward operating locations in Texas to avoid possible heavy winds from Hurricane Ida.
The storm, which was downgraded to a tropical storm at 9 a.m., is expected to work its way near the Gulf Coast in the next 24 hours to 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center forecast.
The 403rd Wing, comprised of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s “Hurricane Hunters” and the 815th Airlift Squadron’s “Flying Jennies,” typically evacuate the aircraft when winds are expected to exceed about 30 miles per hour to avoid damage.
The Hurricane Hunters are flying non-stop and collecting critical weather data into Hurricane Ida as the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico.
“Directly measuring the conditions within the storm provides emergency managers with the best information possible. With that information in hand, it allows them to know where evacuations should occur, what type of impact can be expected and most importantly helps save lives by informing the public of what to expect,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Talbot, chief aerial reconnaissance weather officer.
People in areas that could be affected by this tropical weather system are urged to monitor local weather reports.
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