Hurricane Hunters help Charlotte area prepare for 2019 storm season

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The annual Hurricane Awareness Tour made its first-ever stop in Charlotte on Thursday, giving attendees a rare opportunity to step inside a Hurricane Hunter aircraft.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Tracking the tropics]

The event is open to the public from Thursday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will be able to tour hurricane reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hear from hurricane experts -- including the director of the National Hurricane Center.

Severe Weather Team 9 is also on hand to demonstrate the tools and resources they use during tropical weather events to forecast and communicate threats to the public.

[STORM GUIDE: Preparing your family for the 2019 hurricane season]

Charlotte is the fourth of five stops on the national tour. CLICK HERE for the full list of presenters and exhibits.