Hurricane Milton left a scar of destruction across Florida from the Gulf Coast to the Space Coast with damaging winds and dozens of reported tornadoes. FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray reports from Bradenton Beach where the cleanup is ongoing.
Peter Dodge, an award-winning scientist who dedicated his life to studying hurricanes, was honored in a unique way, according to a report by the Associated Press.
On Tuesday, a NOAA crew released his ashes into the eye of Hurricane Milton. Dodge had spent decades flying into storms to advance meteorological research, with this final mission marking his 387th — and last — flight into a hurricane.
“It’s very touching,” said Dodge’s sister, Shelley Dodge, in an interview with the AP. “We knew it was a goal of NOAA to make it happen.”
Dodge passed away in March 2023 at the age of 72 from complications following a fall and stroke. Over his 44-year career at NOAA, he made significant contributions to radar technology, helping scientists better understand hurricanes like Katrina. His ashes were released just hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall near Sarasota, Florida.
DEATH TOLL FROM HURRICANE MILTON RISES AS FLORIDA PICKS UP THE PIECES FROM THE STORM’S DESTRUCTION
A video shot by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows officers rescuing a teenager floating on debris Thursday morning, after Hurricane Milton slammed Florida. (Courtesy: @HCSOSheriff / X)
Peter Dodge’s legacy in hurricane research
Dodge was no stranger to the dangers of flying into hurricanes. One of his most harrowing experiences came during a flight into Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Severe turbulence shook the plane, and one of the engines caught fire. “They almost didn’t get out of the eye,” recalled Shelley Dodge. After dumping excess fuel and heavy equipment, the crew managed to escape the storm with no injuries.
Despite the risks, Dodge was passionate about his work, amassing nearly 400 flights into hurricanes over his career. His expertise in radar technology played a pivotal role in hurricane forecasting and research.
As Dodge’s sister described, “He’s loved that aspect of his job. It’s bittersweet. On one hand, a hurricane’s coming and you don’t want that for people. But on the other hand, I really wanted this to happen.”
TAMPA, ST. PETERSBURG LASHED BY 100-MPH WINDS, CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING FROM HURRICANE MILTON
FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray and his team give a raw, behind-the-scenes look from Bradenton, Florida, as powerful wind blew rain and debris at them. Winds gusting over 80 mph were measured nearby. Oct. 9, 2024.
The final tribute: A mission into Hurricane Milton
NOAA had been in communication with Dodge’s family for months, ensuring that his final mission would happen when conditions were right. On the evening of October 8, everything aligned, and his ashes were released into the eye of the storm.
“I didn’t know for sure until they sent me the official printout that showed exactly where it happened in the eye,” said Shelley. Dodge’s ashes were contained in a package, draped with the flag of Nepal, a country where he had volunteered in the Peace Corps before becoming a meteorologist.
FLORIDA HOMES FILLED WITH FEET OF SAND CARRIED IN FROM HURRICANE MILTON’S STORM SURGE