Pentagon Cuts Critical Hurricane Data Stream—Forecasters Warn of ‘Sunrise Surprise’ Storms

The sudden loss of key satellite data threatens forecast accuracy just as hurricane season reaches its most dangerous phase.

In a decision that has stunned the meteorological community, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) this week abruptly ended the transmission of microwave satellite data critical to hurricane forecasting—just as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season enters its most vulnerable stretch.