The GPM core observatory satellite had an exceptional view of hurricane Irma's eye when it flew above on September 5, 2017 at 12:52 PM AST (1652 UTC). This image shows a rainfall analysis that was derived from GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) data. Irma was approaching the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of about 178 mph (155 kts). This made Irma a dangerous category five hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Intense rainfall is shown within Irma's nearly circular eye. GPM's DPR (shown in lighter shades) uncloaked

The GPM Core Observatory satellite had an excellent view of a potential tropical depression developing in the Gulf Of Mexico on September 5, 2017 at 3:34 AM CDT (0834 UTC). GPM found that powerful convective storms were dropping heavy rainfall in the Gulf of Mexico east Mexico's coast. GPM's Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instrument measured rain falling at a rate of over 9.2 inches (233 mm) per hour in an intense band of storms. GPM's Radar (DPR Ku Band) data was used to examine the 3-D structure of precipitation in this area of strong convective storms. GPM's DPR showed that storm

After forming in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday tropical storm Irma strengthened and became a powerful category three hurricane on Thursday August 31, 2017. Hurricane Irma was moving west-northwestward with winds of about 115 mph (100 kts) when the GPM core Observatory satellite saw it on September 1, 2017 at 1:47 AM AST (0547 UTC). Data collected by GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments showed the locations and intensity of heavy precipitation within the hurricane. GPM's Radar (DPR Ku band) found that a powerful convective storm in a

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded a low pressure area in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean to tropical storm Irma on August 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM AST (1500 UTC). Tropical cyclones that form in that part of the Atlantic Ocean are often the largest and most powerful hurricanes of the season. Hurricanes Ivan (2004), Isabel (2003), Hugo (1989) and Allen (1980) are examples of past powerful hurricanes that formed near the Cape Verde islands. The GPM core observatory satellite flew above forming tropical storm Irma on August 30, 2017 at 1:56 AM EDT (0556 UTC). This new tropical cyclone was