Hurricane Andrew churns in the Gulf of Mexico on August 24, 1992, hours after ravaging the southern tip of Florida where it caused most of its $26 billion in total damage.

Shirley Murillo grew up in southern Florida, where hurricane warnings are common. In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck southern Florida. This storm, a Category 5 hurricane, was much stronger than most other hurricanes. It caused severe damage and hardship throughout the area. More than twenty people died. Thousands of homes were destroyed. After the storm passed, Shirley observed the destruction it had caused and realized how important it is to be able to forecast hurricanes. This experience, combined with her interest in science, motivated Shirley to want to study hurricanes and their deadly winds.

As a senior in high school, Shirley completed a year-long internship at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There, she worked in the Hurricane Research Division and helped scientists in their study of these monster storms. Shirley loved her job so much that she worked many more hours than she was expected to.

These days, Shirley still spends a lot of time at the Hurricane Research Division where she works as a Research Meteorologist for NOAA. In the lab, she uses computers to analyze hurricane wind data. Much of the information comes from aircraft that fly into the storms. Additional data comes from satellites, ships, and buoys. The results of Shirley’s work are communicated to weather forecasters at the National Hurricane Center who use the information to produce computer models. By studying these computerized simulations, forecasters can decide where and when to issue hurricane watches and warnings.

In this mission you will see how scientists measure the intensity of a hurricane. You will learn about the dangers that monster storms can pose. You will also learn what you can do to prepare for and survive severe weather, wherever you live.

Mission 5 Briefing Video See how Shirley uses her knowledge of hurricane winds to help communities stay prepared and keep people safe.