The central core of Hurricane Isaac has come ashore in Louisiana and is (slowly) moving west away from the UAHuntsville severe weather research team that is studying the storm. At present the team is dealing with storm bands that are dropping heavy rain onto their positions in Slidell, La., and Picayune, Miss.
The team of students and scientists used the university's suite of Doppler radar and other instruments to collect data through the night and into today, including some cells that triggered tornado warnings in Louisiana. Analysis of the extensive data collected during this deployment will begin after the team returns to Huntsville late tonight or early tomorrow.
The hurricane chase team is posting updates, photos and information about its activities in Louisiana on both its Facebook page and on Twitter. In addition to posting information online, the research team in Picayune has been providing maximum wind speed information to county officials.
BattlingIsaac: Students from UAHuntsville weather the wrath of Hurricane Isaac to refuel the generate that powers their research instruments.
Ponchartrain Wind: UAH graduate student Todd Murphy takes a wind reading at the edge of Lake Ponchartrain.